Gardening Ideas For Front Yard Fenceline

outdoor furniture sitting area of deck tree privacy

Credit: Keller and Keller Photography Inc

A backyard can be a haven from the hectic activities dealt with on a daily basis. Create a hidden sanctuary with these landscaping tips and simple solutions to make your yard more private.

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Raise Up Your Plants

woman in yard with tall flowering plants

Credit: Janet Mesic-Mackie

Give your favorite plants better view-blocking power by growing them in raised beds or berms. You will be surprised at how much more secluded your yard feels by mounding the soil enough to add a foot or two to your plants' height. Plus it puts medium-size plants at eye level. Grow extra-tall perennials to quickly create a living privacy screen.

Test Garden Tip: Raised beds or berms are also a perfect solution if you struggle with rocky, clay, or otherwise poor soil.

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Create a Room

Hammock above stone path

Credit: Andreas Trauttmansdor

If you don't want to work on making your entire yard a private paradise, take one corner and transform it into a secluded getaway. A simple way to do this is to carefully place a couple of trees to form a pocket. Here, for example, two pine trees make a hammock feel tucked away. A redbud tree just behind the hammock enhances the effect.

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Add a Lattice Fence

Lattice fence with pink flowers

Credit: Kritsada Panichgul

Do you feel a little claustrophobic at the thought of fencing your yard? Try adding a lattice fence. It's an ideal way to achieve privacy and enclosure without closing off your yard too much. Plus, simple lattice panels are perfect for showcasing climbing roses or your favorite vines. You may find that fencing with lattice is less expensive than building a traditional fence so you can save money to boot.

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Layer Plantings

backyard with lattice fence and flowering plants

Credit: Kritsada Panichgul

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Use a Hedge

outdoor furniture sitting area of deck tree privacy

Credit: Keller and Keller Photography Inc

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Look for Interesting Materials

plexiglass fence

Credit: Janet Loughrey

Use an unexpected element to screen the view into your yard to enhance the overall effect. For example, build a fence from out-of-the-ordinary materials or decorate a fence with architectural detailing. The plexiglass used here stops the neighbors from peering in but allows light to pass through. It also shows off textures on the other side.

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Mix It Up

patio border hedge and fence

Credit: Peter Krumhardt

There's no rule that says you have to stick with one strategy for creating privacy. So keep your landscape exciting by incorporating several types of screens. For example, this patio uses an attractive fence as well as a low hedge. A large tree casts shade and blocks the view of the patio from above.

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Climb the Walls

window frame trellis covered in vines

Credit: Peter Krumhardt

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Use Containers

enclosed checkered patio

Credit: Jon Jensen

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Hide Behind Structures

backyard patio enclosed by plants

Credit: Kelly Bugden

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Plant a Tree

Golden Locust tree by wood fence

Credit: Richard Felber

A single tree can be an effective way to block a view. Plant a fast-growing tree to shade your space from the sun and the neighbors' view in just a few years. Here, a golden locust (Robinia 'Frisia') does double duty: It shields the yard from view and creates a focal point in this garden. For year-round greenery, consider adding evergreen trees to your yard.

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Decorate a Fence

double door gate fence landscaping surrounding path

Credit: Jack Coyier

Let's be honest: Fences can look s little ho-hum. Luckily, they're easy to dress up with the right plants in front of them. Here, a border of easy-care annuals, perennials, or shrubs soften a fence's appearance. And extra-tall perennials that rise above the fence to provide additional screening

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Punctuate Your Yard

backyard nook created by trees and shrubs

Credit: Bob Stefko

Many homeowners plant trees and shrubs only around the perimeter of the landscape or as a foundation planting close to the house. But by planting them throughout the yard, you screen your space more effectively.

Test Garden Tip: Use columnar varieties if you have a small yard; they grow tall, but most columnar selections stay less than 10 feet wide.

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Keep It Simple

two-panel white fence on piled stone border

Credit: Rob Cardillo

There's no rule saying a fence has to run the entire length or perimeter of your yard. Put a panel or two just where you need it. It's a great way to save money and add to your home's curb appeal.

Test Garden Tip: To make a panel or two of fencing in your yard look more like a design feature, add a coat of paint to make them stand out, and use them to support an espaliered shrub or small tree, or an eye-catching climbing rose.

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Mask Sounds

asian-style serenity garden water feature fountain

Credit: Andreas Trauttmansdorff

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