6 Top Landscape Privacy Mistakes (& How to Fix Them)

Landscape Privacy Mistakes
Privacy is an essential element in any outdoor space. Yet, overlooking key aspects when designing for privacy can prevent you from getting that peaceful sanctuary you’ve been dreaming of.

In this video, I’ll share some of the most common privacy mistakes I see… along with effective solutions to creating a private landscape that functions and looks beautiful.

Mistake 6: Not Planning for Privacy
Mistake 5: Incorrect Tree Placement
Mistake 4: Not Considering Winter Privacy
Mistake 3: Not Addressing Noise
Mistake 2: Poor Placement of Entertainment Areas
Mistake 1: Waiting Too Long to Address Privacy
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[donnamiller]

Very timely video for me! My neighbor has 6 cameras with 4 overlooking my deck and backyard. I need privacy ASAP!

[ianwilsongardendesign]

Great info -Thanks - For small gardens, it is always a bit of a challenge and also with sloping sites that overlook your garden. The new aluminium pergolas can be helpful 4m x 4m and they have side curtains - great for instant privacy while the taller shrubs /trees fill in the natural look the borders over the following years.

[Peridotlight]

Found this! Impressed! Great topic! I create private gardens for myself and family and friends who ask, but I don’t care to go beyond that … at all. I appreciate true professionals who do it, and from what I see with this first video from you, you’re the real deal. Thank you!

[maggieb]

I grew up in a climate that was quite hot in the summer and very very cold in the winter with a couple of weeks of -40 C which is also -40 F. So you wanted sun in the winter but shade in the summer and placement of tree types was important. You wanted to shelter your house from the northerly winds in the winter months and allow southerly breezes in the summer. East/West orientation for sun was also important. Deciduous trees and evergreens are both useful for shade and wind shelter and considering your position of your house on the land and wind direction is important.

[fabricdragon]

when i moved i was just so delighted to HAVE a yard that i wasnt thinking about privacy during my first planning.
i have found that one thing i drastically mis planned was how much the distance from the sidewalk/other windwo, and my window affected placement especially if the property slopes. the 5 to 6 foot tall shrub placed correctly blocks the view from my neighbors without blocking my window..

[christinahand]

When considering ‘noise’ privacy you should not only consider blocking out noise but also containing noise. Will neighbours be able to overhear private conversations taking place on your deck or patio?

[conniemurphyoverstillgla]

YES I grew a WAX LEAF BUSH.pruned the bottom over time and now it's a beautiful 10 ft. TREE

[ashleylitebrite]

This is a perfect topic for my household right now. Thank you thank you!

[claudiagonzalez]

Thanks really need help with my area. Will definitely book a consultation. Lots of front yard. Narrow driveway neighbors with 2 story house direct view into backyard.

[petegdula]

Good information! thank you. I just need some sound barrier in front of our bedroom window until my wife decides she needs hearing aids. She has to blast the TV volume. Our house and the neighbor's house aren't more than 20 feet apart.

[brightphoebesays]

I planted one 5' cedar to see if it survives, then planned to buy ten more the next year. The cedar died, so I bought a different type of cedar, and now it's the third spring, cedar is still 5' and browning, and I still have no privacy barrier between my and my neighbour's front yards. I was recommended to put up more privacy fencing because my neighbour's front yard is only getting more unsightly as time goes on. Can't wait another three years for a hedge! Thinking of juniper instead of cedar, but what if I buy 15 of those and they die too! More 8' fencing might offend the neighbour, but at least I can put it up this summer. Hmmm... Wish there was a landscaper to hire around here.

[MrandMrsBurns]

Can you show us some fencing style options? Our yard is downhill from the neighbor and they can stand in their yard and see right over our 6’ fence down into our entire yard. I’m getting a green fence going but it’s expensive.

[jhouriet]

plants will not stop construction, leaf blower, or road noise. truly need a solid fence, or better yet, a stone wall! we really can't avoid all visual and audio noise, especially in cities and suburbs.

[BethanyMorris-lwvy]

I realize this is a little random, but that tea set fountain at 8:16 is GORGEOUS! Do you know where you found the footage (or where it might be available)? I understand if not, it is just SO CUTE I had to stop the video lol.

[fabricdragon]

oh, if you are planning on a firepit/BBQ etc? a "roof" over it also deflects the heat. a neighbor found out the hard way that even if the fire didnt reach their tree overhang, the heat was causing issues. (leaves and branches dying and scorching)

so be aware that if you use a tree for shade OVER a fire pit or cooking area, you need to either prune it for a lot of height, or be really aware of hos much heat you are putting out

[fabricdragon]

a suggestion for people like me... i dont use my yard as much in winter. the privacy on my windows from layers of bare branches is plenty- even if it doesnt allow for privacy out i the yard. so i really dont NEED evergreens.

if i did need winter privacy it would really only be for my windows, not the yard, so i could plan for strategic evergreens only.

but once warmer weather comes in? between all the people out and about on the sidewalks (more eyeballs) and me wanting to use my yard? thats when i need the most privacy, and so my currant bushes, roses, and vines are dandy.

[SMElder-iyfl]

I too have a neighbor who is hard of hearing. Even with the windows closed and the fan on, i can hear her television.

[jessicaw]

What if the noise that I'm trying to block is my neighbor's very loud water feature? It's not a peaceful sound for me at all. It just sounds like someone turned on the faucet and left it running. It's actually irritating to hear and I'm miserable! (Honestly, it makes me feel like I have to pee!) I just want peace and quiet and to hear the birds and the wind in the trees, not an artificial water fountain.

[bettybelenky-htur]

I know it's an old joke but, when is the best time to plant a tree? Answer 10 years ago

[KidCity]

How do I find a landscaper designer in my area.