Within the last few decades, the typical American home has significantly increased in size, but property lots have gotten smaller. With people living closer together, it’s no wonder many homeowners feel like they’re living in a fish bowl every time they try to enjoy the space outside their home.Fortunately, we’ve found five clever ways to solve this very common problem. Here is how to improve privacy in your yard, without having to break the bank.
5 Clever (and inexpensive) Tips on how to Boost Yard Privacy
1. Use Over-sized ContainersExtra large containers filled with the right plants are great for creating privacy, especially in small spaces such as an apartment balcony or even a patio. Grasses grow quickly and look stunning in containers, which makes them fantastic privacy providers. Their long, airy blades also produce a soothing noise when the wind blows, which can help muffle neighborhood noise. Bamboo is another fast-growing plant that does a great job of enhancing privacy – however it may be invasive, so be sure to plant it in a container and not in the ground. For year-round privacy, fill over-sized planters with evergreen shrubs.
Tip: Large planters tend to be heavy. If you want to have the ability to move them according to your privacy needs, use lightweight foam containers instead of ceramic ones, and place them on a plant dolly.
2. Introduce a Water Feature
Creating a private backyard extends beyond sight – it includes sound, too. To dampen unwanted noise like traffic and rowdy kids (and also to assist in preventing neighbors from hearing your conversations), place a water feature near the area you spend most of your outdoor time. As a bonus, you’ll produce a relaxing, calming vibe that makes your space more pleasing.
Whether you would like a tabletop, hanging, or stand-alone water feature, there are plenty of off-the-shelf models to select from. Look for one having an adjustable flow control valve so you can increase or decrease the water feature’s noise level when your privacy needs change. If you’re feeling crafty, create your own water feature and personalize it to your décor.
Tip: If you’re outside and want more sound privacy, simply access your home automation system using your phone and stream white noise – or your favorite tunes – through your outdoor speakers.
3. Incorporate Trellises
Trellises are a fairly easy and effective method to boost the privacy of your outdoor area. Simply place one strategically near your patio or porch, or, for enhanced privacy, add several along your property line. Plant climbing vines at the bottom of the trellis and very quickly your house will boast an eye-catching garden structure that doubles as a nosy-neighbor barrier.
Because they’re semi-transparent, trellises provide the added benefit of filtering sunlight without blocking the breeze. Trellises are available in many different styles – from rustic to contemporary – as well as at a variety of price points. If you’re a DIYer, consider saving a lot more money by making your own.
Tip: Reference the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to find out which trellis-climbing plants are most likely to thrive in your area.
4. Put up Outdoor Curtains
Outdoor curtains are a low-budget privacy solution which will add on-the-spot intimacy to your outdoor area. They are also an especially flexible privacy solution – simply open or close them as needed. Outdoor curtains come in a wide variety of colors and patterns and made with material that resists fading and mildew. Because they need to be hung, outdoor curtains are typically used to increase privacy on a covered porch, patio, or deck. If you would like create a private retreat elsewhere, simply attach the curtains to a portable gazebo shelter.
Tip: All that’s necessary are basic skills and a little bit of time and you could build your own semi-permanent private space using curtains.
5. Add a Picket Fence
A picket fence can go a long way toward assisting you to increase the privacy in your yard. It’s not as tall as a traditional privacy fence, and it’s easier to see through, but that can be an advantage with regards to the safety and security of your family and home. Here’s why: privacy fences completely hide what’s going on around your residence, which can make it a prime target for burglars. A picket fence provides a better balance between privacy and security, and it’s usually less expensive and much easier to install. If you want to block the view into some parts of your yard, grow vines or flowering plants on your picket fence. Most large home improvement stores sell vinyl picket fence panels in eight-foot sections, so you can buy as many or as few as you need.
Tip: Installing outdoor motion-activated floodlights and getting a home security system are other ways to help burglar-proof your home.
These simple projects can assist you gain yard privacy and start enjoying your home’s outdoor space like you’ve always wanted to. Why not get started this weekend?
If you are interested in finding your new home here in the Tampa Bay and surrounding areas, simply call us at 813-300-7116 or you can always just click here and we will be in touch with you.