Walls and fences are all good, but if you're into their somewhat cold appeal, you can opt for the greener option: landscaping.
Besides security and aesthetics, privacy is also one of the top reasons why people build walls and fences around their homes. No matter how amazing your newly built deck or swimming pool looks, you still wouldn’t want to be exposed to random passers-by while you’re relaxing. Although walls and fences are extremely practical they can sometimes make a space feel really confined, so you can may want to opt for a “greener” solution.
From hedges to green walls, here are some lively, eco-friendly ways to improve privacy in your home through landscaping.
What are your options?
- Hedges
Whether you want a one-metre or three-metre-tall privacy screen, there’s a hedge option for you. Hedges can be made of either shrubs or trees that are spaced closely together. Before you start planting your hedges, make sure that you have considered several important factors, including the perfect shrub or tree for your desired look, plant spacing, and maintenance issues.
Unless you want to lose your privacy during the winter, you’re better off choosing evergreens. Several species of Viburnum, like tinus and suspensum, are great for those who want good evergreens for hedging. Of course, deciduous plants are still an option if you want to create interesting-looking hedges. Mixing and matching plants with differently coloured leaves can make for gorgeous hedges. You can also choose flowering shrubs like magnolias and camellias or a livelier hedge.
It is also important to consider how much effort you’re willing to put into maintaining your hedges. If you don’t want to prune often or spend too much cash to have your hedges regularly pruned, make sure that you go for plants that require minimal upkeep.
- Trellises
If you want something that will allow some sunlight and a light breeze, you’re better off getting some trellises. Growing vines on a trellis can offer you some privacy without completely blocking off the elements. The different materials that are used for trellises such as timber, plastic, and metal, have their own set of pros and cons. However, the most important thing to remember when choosing a trellis is to make sure that it will be strong enough to support the style and plants you want. Growing flowering climbers like bougainvillea and wisteria on a trellis can provide you with a colourful, attention-grabbing privacy screen.
- Berms
For the most natural-looking privacy fence, have your landscaper set up a berm in your garden. Berms are raised areas that are filled with all sorts of plants. A gently sloping mound of trees and shrubs can offer privacy in particular spots of your garden without blocking out the total view of your home. The tricky part about setting up a berm is choosing the right plants. Since water runs off a berm easily, it’s best to choose shrubs and trees that are not too drought-sensitive.
- Green walls
If an expansive wall already barricades your home, but you still want to get a living fence, you might want to consider turning it into a green wall. Evergreen creepers like ivy cover most green walls, but many modern green walls incorporate other small plants. Because of the environmental benefits of green walls, the idea even became popular with indoor walls.
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