Landscaping Ideas for Privacy | The Chicago Landscaper

Screen Plants for Landscaping  Privacy

Screen plants are among some of the easiest ways to incorporate landscaping ideas for privacy. You can find fast-growing evergreens and other plants that will fit into your space by using online plant resources or by checking sites like Fast Growing Trees. You can also consider using more unusual plants when designing for privacy and ambiance, such as:

Bamboo

If you’re really tight on space, you can try using a screen plant you may not have considered: Bamboo! Yes, that’s right. There are hardy bamboo plants that can grow in the Chicago area.

Its plusses are that it grows fast once established (up to 6″ a day for new stalks!) and can create a mini, city-sized “forest” in a small area. Bamboo can be absolutely enchanting and typically stays mostly green year round. It also requires next-to-zero care, if you choose the right variety. You can light it up from the base or even install twinkle lights on the bamboo stalks to create some hard-to-resist ambiance.

Its primary minus is that it can spread by its tough root system, tearing through areas where you don’t want it to grow. And bamboo is extremely hard to get rid of by hand, so if you decide that you’re smitten by all of bamboo’s many charms, consider using it in very large containers. Otherwise, you can also dig a trench about 2.5′ deep in your soil and then line it with steel to contain the root system to a particular spot.

Take a look at some design ideas on incorporating bamboo by following this thread on Pinterest.

Use Fencing and/or Trellis Materials to Create Private Spaces

Fencing is a great way to create privacy. Although fencing an entire yard can be pricey, if you use materials wisely, you can screen off just enough area to give your space both privacy and some additional ambiance. And don’t forget that you can use trellises in a fashion similar to fencing.

In addition, it may be worth your while to investigate materials. Not all fencing needs to be made of wood or composite. You can use willow or bamboo fencing/screening. You can also create a wattle fence using willow branches or other flexible materials. In fact, there are tons of ways to create privacy screening. You’re limited mostly by your imagination.

Consider Using Sails

Sails can be a really interesting way to create privacy in the right spots. What’s more, they’re not particularly expensive. You can use sails as a kind of fencing or screening, or you can use them in a more traditional way that allows you to create shade and privacy from onlookers with a higher elevation.

Pinterest has some fun ideas for using sails to create your own private haven. Check them out here.

Just remember: Creating Privacy in Your Outdoor Space is Possible

If you’re not sure where to begin, we always suggest that you do some looking around online. Then, if you need help, you can contact a landscaper to help you to create the privacy you want in your outdoor living spaces.