Attractive Fences Make Good Neighbors

If you're looking to create a privacy screen through outdoor landscaping, consider the value of building a "living wall". A "living wall", in other words, is a fence made of plants and trees, as opposed to the traditional hardscape fence. Although a hardscape fence may be what you want and need, it can't hurt to take note of the advantages a "living" fence alternative has to offer.

Creating privacy with trees and shrubs and other softscape elements can be a less expensive option, as compared to hardscape fencing. Also, softscape elements tend to be easier to move and to change. If your landscaping plans are not set-in-stone and you want some flexibility to adapt, then a softscape approach to privacy may be just what you're looking for. Working with plants, trees and shrubs offers visual beauty in color, form and texture. You'll also have the visual element of seasonal variation in color. With living fences there can be flexible shaping possibilities as well.

When designing your softscape privacy plan consider investing in some trees and plants that are more mature, and can offer some height right off the top. These can be used in keys places that require the most screening. You can then layer in other levels and colors with the addition of shrubs and plants surrounding them.

Berms are another option. These are mounds of dirt that can help build up some height. Once you've set your desired height and width, you can then plant pockets of shrubs, plants and trees on top of your berms.

A chain of trees can also be a great way to build in screening potential. Bamboo is great choice if you're looking for a quick fix. Take note, that you want to use a clumping variety over a running variety. A good species of clumping bamboo is Bambusa Multiplex.

Hedges are another screening idea. With densely packed rows of bushes and shrubs you can effectively create as much privacy as a fence. Take note, that hedges do require some regular maintenance and shearing.

Another simple approach for creating privacy is by the thoughtful placement of larger decorative planters. You can purchase beautiful planter pots in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and include plants of different colors and sizes in your arrangements. These pots can be great to create a screen on a deck or balcony, or in the front of your home.

Tall growing grassy plants are an inexpensive means to achieve your landscaping goals. This is also a great choice if you are looking for a temporary or more flexible solution. Many of these grasses grow 5 to 6 feet tall in a matter of weeks.

If you'd rather a less austere look than that of the uniform hedge, consider building a "loose border". For maximum results when building a loose border, you'll want to appropriately layer your plants. Tallest plant selections should generally be in the back row, shorter shrubs and tall perennials in the middle row, and your shortest plants in the front. Use repetition to tie in areas of the border. Set plants of the same type in odd-numbered groups to help keep the loose border look from becoming too symmetrical.

Lastly, combining some elements of hardscape and softscape together can be both effective in terms of creating privacy and attractive as well. Arbors, pagodas or fences with lattice work are all great structures for climbing plants, such as roses or wisteria to weave around.

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