We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Best Tips for Backyard Privacy?

Jessica Ellis
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 8,162
Share

A backyard should be an oasis of calm and relaxation, which can be difficult if privacy is a concern. To increase backyard privacy, it is important to limit visual and auditory access to the area, which can be accomplished through a variety of strategies. Walls, high hedges, pergolas and curtains can all help reduce the visibility of a yard. Fountains, waterfalls, and wind chimes can also add to backyard privacy through ambient sound.

High garden walls are one of the most basic and permanent ways to provide privacy to an outdoor space. Walls may be constructed of bricks, plaster, wood, or even metal fencing. High walls can help keep out exterior noise, as well as providing privacy from nearby neighbors. To soften the look of a wall, consider planting climbing vines, such as honeysuckle or climbing roses, which will create a beautiful background to any exterior space. One downside to high walls is a potential decrease to sunlight exposure, which should be duly considered before any construction begins.

An alternative to walls, hedges provide visual and sound barriers in a green, natural way. Some varieties of shrubs can grow to be enormous, and may be useful in blocking views from nearby multi-story buildings. While hedges can be a more natural alternative to walls, some gardening ability is required to keep them thriving, as is regular trimming. Some popular species for hedges include yew, boxwood, and holly.

To create backyard privacy in a specific portion of the garden, consider building a pergola. These wooden structures are popular in many different landscaping styles, and can be constructed to suit nearly any size or shape. A roofed pergola can provide shade, as well as a lovely place to dine al fresco or simply relax outdoors. For additional privacy, climbing plants can be trained to run up the legs and roof of the structure, creating more shade and noise protection. Building a pergola can be an excellent do-it-yourself project, but there are also many prefabricated versions.

Another way to create shade, privacy, and enhance the look of a backyard is through curtains. Thin, breezy drapes can be hung from doorways or pergola frames to add color and movement to the yard, while also increasing backyard privacy. While linen and cotton make excellent summer drapes, all-weather fabric may be preferable for areas where weather is variable throughout the year.

In addition to blocking visible accessibility, backyard privacy can be created by the addition of ambient sound. A trickling fountain, cascading waterfall, or delicately ringing wind chime can reduce noise from streets and other buildings. In addition, the noise created by these useful items can also help keep outdoor conversations private, which can be very helpful in the event of nosy neighbors. Waterfalls can easily be incorporated into an existing pond with the use of a pump system and a large rocks; fountains and wind chimes are often found at garden centers or hardware stores.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Jessica Ellis
By Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica Ellis brings a unique perspective to her work as a writer for WiseGeek. While passionate about drama and film, Jessica enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics, creating content that is both informative and engaging for readers.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica Ellis...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-best-tips-for-backyard-privacy.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.