Our Blog

Blog

5 Ways to Make Your Yard More Private

Apr 6, 2015

Homes are getting bigger and closer together, and some homeowners feel crowded in or like their personal lives are on display. Here are a few ways to add some privacy to your yard and create your own secluded, quiet retreat.

1. Hanging Plants and Vines. Add privacy and shade to a covered porch by layering hanging pots with ivy or other trailing plants. You can also plant vines in pots, attach rows of fishing line from the flower pots up to the roof, and guide the vines to grow up the side of your porch. Flowering vines like morning glory can reach 20 feet in just a few months!

2. Privacy Screens or Curtains. A privacy screen is less permanent than a fence and can be moved around the yard, making it a great way to add privacy without having to fence in the whole yard.  You can buy privacy screens in just about any material, or make your own! Just like in your windows at home, privacy curtains made of a durable outdoor fabric are a great way to block out views of your neighbors.

3. Garden/Plant Walls. Create privacy by growing an herb garden. Or grow a bamboo garden to create a tall, dense screen. It can grow in the ground or in a planter, and you can use it to block out noise from neighbors or the street. Although it can take time to grow, a living wall of plants is the most beautiful way to create a quite retreat in your backyard. Tall, bushy plants like Italian Cypress, Oleander, and evergreen trees are best for maximum privacy.

4. Repurposed Doors. Most people close their doors to indicate the need for privacy. Why not repurpose old doors or shutters and use them as a privacy screen? Connect them with hinges and place them in the yard to cover up an ugly wall, separate the yard, or block neighbors from obstructing your privacy.

5. Higher Fences. If you have a sloping yard, live on a hill, or have close neighbors, adding height to your existing fence can add much needed privacy. There are a few creative ways to do this without completely replacing your fence; add a custom made trellis or plant tall evergreen trees along the length of the fence.

Keep in mind, privacy often extends beyond sight. If you live in a close-knit community with your neighbors, maybe sharing the same yard, consider adding a tasteful water feature. The sounds of a trickling fountain are significantly more relaxing than a loud, busy road with lots of traffic noise.

For information on real estate in Hilton Head Island, contact the Realtors at Hilton Head Island Real Estate Brokers at 843-785-8006 today!