The Ultimate Guide to Privacy Landscaping

Enhancing Privacy: Smart Landscaping Solutions for Small Lots and Open Developments

As urban spaces become denser and new developments emerge with cul-de-sacs and clustered lots, homeowners are increasingly seeking effective landscaping solutions to enhance privacy. In this guide, we'll explore practical and creative ways to address privacy concerns in both small city lots and open subdivisions. From strategic plantings to innovative structures, let's dive into how landscaping can transform your outdoor space into a private sanctuary.

Privacy on Small City Lots:

Living on a small city lot offers convenience and proximity to urban amenities, but it often comes with the challenge of limited outdoor privacy. Residents in these areas may face issues such as noise from neighboring properties, lack of seclusion, and visual intrusion. However, with thoughtful landscaping strategies, homeowners can create private and peaceful outdoor retreats that enhance their quality of life.

Arborvitae: The Vertical Solution

Arborvitae, with its tall and narrow profile, is a go-to choice for small lots. Planted in rows, these evergreen trees create a natural green wall that blocks unwanted views and buffers city noise. Varieties like Emerald Green and Techny Arborvitae are particularly suited for compact spaces.

Our Buchanan build is a lovely example of an Emerald Green Arborvitae hedge. Emerald Green Arborvitae stands out as an excellent choice for city hedges due to several key characteristics. Firstly, their root systems are relatively compact and non-invasive, making them suitable for planting near sidewalks, driveways, and property lines without causing damage. Additionally, these arborvitaes can be planted close together, allowing for dense hedging that effectively blocks noise, wind, and unwanted views. While the arborvitae planted at Buchanan went in at approximately 6-7 feet tall, they will quickly mature in height and fill out in width creating a beautifully full hedge. In Michigan's climate, Emerald Green Arborvitae can thrive and mature to impressive heights of 15 to 20 feet, providing substantial privacy and greenery in urban settings. If that wasn’t enough, they are low-maintenance, hardy, resilient trees that can stand up to drought, insects, and extreme temperatures. Their versatility, adaptability, and vertical growth make them a top choice for creating private and tranquil outdoor spaces in small city lots.

Privacy Fencing: Stylish Boundaries

Installing privacy fencing along property lines provides an instant and effective barrier against prying eyes and urban sounds. Choose from a range of materials like wood, vinyl, masonry or composite for durability and aesthetics.

Located on a corner lot in bustling downtown Ann Arbor, our Division build exemplifies the art of blending materials to craft a distinctive and practical privacy barrier. Given the high foot traffic in the neighborhood, the homeowners sought a private sanctuary shielded from curious gazes. By melding wood and masonry, Ventures fashioned a bespoke privacy fence that spans the entire property, integrating functional features into each panel. From the sheer descent water feature seamlessly incorporated into the brick wall to the built-in seating thoughtfully integrated into the wooden paneling, this design maximizes every inch of the limited space while delivering style and utility.

Layered Landscaping: Green Screens

Create lush and layered landscaping around the perimeter of your property. Combine tall shrubs, ornamental grasses, and flowering plants to form a dense barrier that adds beauty while enhancing privacy. Incorporate varying heights for added visual interest.

Our Sutherland build beautifully combines a wooden privacy fence with natural landscaping for a layered perimeter. The wooden privacy fence serves as the backdrop, while landscape beds featuring deciduous pear trees add height and dimension. Lush hydrangea bushes and low-growing ground cover plants fill out the beds, providing beauty and variation at all levels of the landscape.

Privacy in Open Developments:

Open developments with clustered lots provide a sense of community and shared spaces, fostering neighborly interactions and a vibrant atmosphere. However, the openness of these layouts can result in reduced privacy, with homes exposed to neighboring properties. Finding the right balance between community engagement and personal privacy becomes essential in such environments, making landscaping choices crucial for creating secluded outdoor areas.

Strategic Walls and Plants: Blending Structure and Nature

In open developments where neighboring lots are exposed, consider strategic placement of walls or fences combined with plantings. Low walls or masonry structures can define spaces and provide a backdrop for climbing vines or cascading plants, softening the boundary lines.

Green Walls and Living Screens: Nature's Privacy Panels

Green walls, whether living or artificial, offer a contemporary solution for privacy. Living walls made of vertical gardens bring lushness and eco-friendly benefits, while artificial green walls provide low-maintenance privacy with a realistic appearance. Both options create a natural and secluded atmosphere.

At our Spring Hill project we've masterfully integrated natural and artificial components to offer both privacy and aesthetic appeal, all while concealing unattractive equipment. Along the property's perimeter, a harmonious blend of Emerald Green Arborvitae hedges and vibrant beds of hydrangeas and smaller shrubs creates a varied tapestry of height and foliage. To infuse additional color and texture, tropical and flowering potted plants are strategically placed throughout the landscape. Meanwhile, an artificial green wall serves as a visually pleasing and functional barrier around the pool equipment, ensuring easy access without compromising the area's visual harmony.

Hedges for Height and Density

Tall hedges like Leyland Cypress, Privet, or Boxwood can be shaped into formal or informal barriers, offering both height and density for effective privacy screening. Regular trimming maintains a neat appearance while ensuring maximum coverage.

Our Basswood Court build showcases densely layered hedges that ensure utmost privacy for this backyard oasis. The outer perimeter is secured with wrought iron fencing for added security, cleverly disguised by immaculate hedging that brings lush greenery to the forefront. An outer hedge of Emerald Green Arborvitae encircles the property, with the potential to mature to a height of 15-20 feet, providing complete privacy for the poolside sanctuary. A lower hedge of boxwood adds vertical dimension, while pockets of hydrangea and deciduous trees introduce variation in texture and seasonal elements to the landscape.

Transforming your outdoor space into a private oasis is achievable with the right landscaping strategies. Whether you're dealing with a small city lot or an open development, incorporating elements like arborvitae, privacy fencing, layered plantings, and innovative structures can create a secluded and serene environment. Explore these ideas to enjoy privacy, tranquility, and enhanced beauty in your outdoor living area.