A privacy screen is installed in a landscape for a variety of purposes.

Walls and Fences Built for Privacy

Walls are the ultimate privacy screen. A wall says “Do not enter” much better than other structures by virtue of its mass. Because of this, it can also act as a sound barrier or reflector. This is important when you live near a busy road. (Note: If you need to cover up unpleasant noise, consider installing a pond with fountain next to the wall or privacy fence. We can help you choose a water feature that makes white noise or provides a relaxing gurgling sound; the sound will bounce off the wall or fence and help drown out other noises.)

Other aspects to consider are how much shadow the wall or privacy fence will cast, how much heat they absorb, and what might you want to grow against them.

Although privacy is important, walls and privacy fences may need to be designed to include access to the landscape. It is not a good idea to build a permanent structure that may later have to be removed every time you need trucks or heavy machinery brought in for a delivery, tree removal, or home improvements. A doorway or gate can act as an entry-way for your garden. (See our webpage about custom-built fences and gates for more information and a sample of our work. A beautifully designed gate can really enhance the look of your home.)

Wooden or Metal Structures Installed for Privacy

Environmental Construction has a team of experts in the field of landscape construction. If a permanent structure, such as a privacy fence is not conducive to the location, consider a lattice structure made from wood or metal. There are many other decorative wood or metal structures we can suggest installing for privacy. We can design a custom-made privacy barrier that is unique and stylish.

Other Garden Screens

Rocks and dirt may also be used as a privacy barrier. Large rocks, hills or mounds can add interest to a garden. Imagine having a garden surrounded by something that looks like Stonehenge. A hill or hummock is a good way to add separation without limitation and will also deaden sound. The drawback of these methods is how much space they consume if they are to be an effective height. Adding a water feature to rocks or hills is a nice way of engaging the privacy element into the landscape.

Vegetation Planted for Privacy

Plants are the most inexpensive privacy barrier. Some will grow fast, and some will even come in sizes that provide a nearly ready-made privacy barrier. For example, Cyprus and other tall slender evergreens can provide an effective privacy hedge that can be installed in a day. Plants can also add sound, as well as help block sound from outside the yard. A willow makes a whisper-sound in the wind as will bamboo, poplar, or many other trees and grasses.

Adding Soothing Sounds as a Noise Barrier

Sounds within the garden, while they don’t by themselves add privacy; do heighten a sense of privacy. Always consider what your landscape sounds like. Gongs and chimes, if you can install them without instigating a neighborhood block meeting to have you remove them, are a wonderful addition. Sit on a bench in summer with a light breeze tinkling the chimes or listening to a gurgling brook or splashing fountain is going to make you very relaxed.

Landscaping for Privacy

A garden is a wonderful place to relax...or it can be if it is landscaped for privacy. If your chain link fence lets your neighbors walk by and distract you from a deep sleep in your hammock, you should consider increasing your privacy. There are several privacy screen options to choose.

Privacy fences can help block noise, add shade, and provide support for vines or espaliered fruit trees, but fences are not your only option to enhancing your suburban privacy. Structures such as walls, lattices, rocks, hills, mounds, and certain plants and trees all provide varying amounts of privacy.

Once you have decided on a method for creating more privacy in your yard, make sure you consider these things: maintenance of physical material or vegetation; movement in or out of the landscape; appearance during various seasons. We hope you enjoy being in your backyard feeling comfortable and relaxed.

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