Not that Texans are an exotic species, it’s just that I always get super excited when we get emails from faraway places. And while I know it’s cold in Canada, I wouldn’t mind talking backyards for a moment to remember what green looks like…
Today, a popular issue: backyard privacy. Patricia L., from Texas, would like to see less of her back lane neighbours. Lattice – even overlapping sheets – will not do, so we turn to our trusted backyard specialist for a winter cameo: landscape designer and host of Green Force, Carson Arthur.
From Patricia:
"While my back alley neighbors are truly friendly...I need advice towards my lack of privacy.
I am obviously and unfortunately at a lower elevation. While I was given advice to add lattice - even overlapping 2 sheets - it's full of holes!! My fence is 6'. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!"
Carson suggests:
Hey Patricia,
Privacy in a backyard is always one of the toughest challenges in an urban setting. I can definitely see your neighbours, and if I can se them, they can see you.
Carson Arthur Design
Ordinarily, I'd recommend trees as a great privacy screen and as an environmentally friendly solution, however, you have a tree and the canopy is too high! The other problem that you are dealing with is in fact the length of your yard. Because the need for privacy is so far away from the patio, you need something tall for it to work; something at least 10-12'.
Here's what I would do if this was my home: I would create the privacy right where you need it most, beside the patio itself.
From the left; Catalpa tree, Carson Arthur Design; potted Hibiscus, Tyre's Greenhouse
- Above is a project I did for a couple who had similar privacy concerns. Although their yard was much smaller, we can still take a cue from the use of custom privacy screens, made of cedar and etched Plexi-glass.
- Lattice panels would work but definitely better with something growing on them to fill the holes.
- Or, you might want to consider some smaller decorative trees in a bed beside your outdoor entertaining area (we used trees along with the privacy screens in the said example.) By placing them closer to you instead of closer to the back fence, you can get away using much smaller plants. We used a Catalpa tree, the saplings of which can stand up to 6’ tall, but even some beautiful hibiscus in pots would work very well.
- Try this: for the best way to determine how much height you really need, sit on your patio in your favourite chair and have your partner or friend stand in the yard between you and what you want privacy from. Have them continue to walk towards you until you can no longer see your neighbour's house. If your friend is somewhere between 5 and 6', it will give you an idea as to where you need to plant/place your need tree.
Good luck,
Carson
What do you guys think of Carson's suggestions? Anything to add?
Related: