10 Cheap Ways To Block Your Neighbor's View of Your Yard

Owning a beautiful home has always been a significant part of the American dream, and having a beautiful, private backyard is often a notable feature that people consider when they think about the kind of home they want. Sadly, getting sufficient levels of privacy for your yard from the prying eyes of your neighbors is sometimes easier said than done. Thankfully, there are a wide array of cheap methods you can utilize to help increase the privacy of your yard and block your neighbor’s view without having to break the bank!
Below, our team of experts at My Site Plan will explore ten of the best methods you can utilize to create a more private yard. And if you’d like even more information on top-quality backyard or home-design tips, please consider exploring our array of expertly written educational articles.
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Layered Privacy Plants
If you want to prevent your nosey neighbor from looking over your fence or from having a clear view of your yard in general, consider incorporating an array of plants of different sizes. Mixing a range of trees, shrubs, and flowers can create a beautiful naturalistic look that provides plenty of privacy for your yard.
Stone Walls Topped With Fencing
If you have a privacy fence that you want to make even higher, consider adding a stone wall beneath it to raise it and give it a unique aesthetic. If you’re looking for an even more significant change, consider dismantling your fence completely and recycling the wood to create a new lattice or picket design.
Pergolas and Panels
Decks, patios, and outdoor kitchens can be difficult to block off in some yards, but adding a decorative pergola or some unique privacy panels can be a great solution! Not only can these features add a new element of elegance to your home, but you can add some curtains to the panels to enjoy your outdoor space no matter the weather!
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Staggered Wooden Boards
Staggered wooden boards that are stained or painted in different colors and shades can provide a unique privacy fence for your home. Adding some shrubs and feathery tree canopies overhead can also increase your level of privacy while softening the look with a more natural aesthetic.
Privacy Hedges
Privacy hedges are arguably one of the best ways to enhance the privacy of your yard while also providing your home with a more natural look that can pull other landscaping elements together beautifully. Planting, growing, and maintaining a quality hedge fence can be a bit of a commitment, but many homeowners find the rewards more than worth their efforts.
Living Lattice or Trellis Fences
Lattice or trellis fencing is already beautiful on its own. However, it can be even more attractive- and add an extra element of privacy- when combined with vines to create a living wall of greenery that looks like something straight out of a fairy tale! These fences can be incredibly gorgeous when combined with other outstanding yard elements, like cute benches, swings, fountains, and outdoor fairy lights.
If you’re looking to put up a new fence around your home, you’ll likely need access to a quality site plan to get the appropriate permits required for the job. Our experts at My Site Plan can help make the process as easy as possible with a 100% money-back guarantee!
Vertical Gardens
Vertical gardens can be challenging to create, but they can provide a unique and gorgeous aesthetic to your home, serving as a great source of privacy between you and your neighbors. Once built, you can use the garden to plant a wide array of gorgeous flowers to create a rainbow wall of colors or even a variety of herbs and veggies that can save you a trip to your local grocery store every once and a while.
Bamboo Fences
While you can always buy a pre-made bamboo fence to help enhance the privacy of your yard, growing a living bamboo fence can be an even better option! The leafy stalks provide the cover you’re looking for from your neighbors, but they also add an enchanting element of Asian charm. Bamboo is also relatively cheap to plant and grows very quickly.
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Masonry Walls with Ornamental Ironwork Decals
While masonry walls may be a bit more expensive than the other options on the list, they probably won’t break the bank and provide a gorgeous new element to your yard that can completely overhaul your home’s elegance. These fences are also not quite as effective in terms of privacy, but their unique design may make them more than worth it!
Container Gardens for Increased Deck or Patio Privacy
Developing a container garden can be a great way to incorporate a unique natural element into your yard while also providing privacy, especially for more open spaces like decks and patios. You can also leverage these container gardens to grow some delicious herbs and veggies.
Final Factors to Consider and FAQs About Increasing Your Yard Privacy
Before wrapping up this article, let’s also take a brief moment to explore some of the most common questions homeowners tend to have regarding their fences and their efforts to increase the privacy of their yards.
Do you have to have a permit to build a fence around your house?
Generally, yes. Most municipalities enforce specific zoning laws with strict regulations regarding fence height, color, materials, and even its style- especially if you live in an upper-class or historic district. You’ll likely need to apply for a fence permit at your local building and planning office. To get a permit, many homeowners will often need to provide a quality site plan of their home, like those provided by our experts at My Site Plan!
How close can you build next to a property line?
The exact requirements for how close to a property line you can build varies between locations. The general required setback for the side of a property is 5-10 feet, while the front and back segments of the property require a minimum of 10-20 feet. Getting your hands on a site plan can help make it easier to know where you can build, so be sure to check out our services today.
Are you looking for a cheap yet effective way of providing your home with a little extra privacy? Our team of expertly trained professionals at My Site Plan is here to provide you with all of the essential documentation and permits you need to start making changes to your property today!
- Ryan Crownholm