Using Plants to Create Privacy in Your Yard in Boise, ID

One of the best parts of living in the Treasure Valley is the fact that we have four distinct, beautiful seasons to enjoy. People have come to recognize what a gem the capital of the Gem State truly is, and we’ve seen a huge rise in population since the pandemic. As our city grows quickly, we are seeing an increase in neighborhoods with smaller yards and properties where homes are packed more closely to their neighbors than in older subdivisions. This is not necessarily a bad thing as it can lead to friendly neighbors, but if you are someone who enjoys lounging in the privacy of your own property, it can be harder to feel at ease when you are in close quarters with neighbors on every side. At Bella Vista Landscape, we are eager to share our knowledge and expertise that comes with years of landscape design experience. Today, we’ll be discussing our top tips to create a private oasis on your property using one of the most natural and beautiful elements you can incorporate in your landscaping: plants. 

Plants are unique and dynamic; they change with the seasons and over time, and no two plants are exactly identical. We love this living, breathing dynamic and the fresh take every individual shrub, tree, or plant can add! Here are our top tips for using plants to increase your privacy level: 

1. Decide how private you want your property to be. Obviously, the level of privacy will determine how much coverage and density you need from your plants to achieve that optimal level for yourself. The level of privacy may not be uniform across your entire property, either; perhaps you have a hot tub and want a secluded area where guests can feel protected from sight, while your raised flower beds don’t need quite as much privacy. Having a good idea on which parts of your property need more or less privacy can help you during the planning process.
   
   

2. Select tall and dense plants. Dense foliage provides a visual barrier, while sparser plants do not. If seasonality does not affect your need for privacy, evergreen trees might be a good option, as they keep their pines throughout the winter. On the other hand, if you’re primarily concerned about summer time when your family may be wearing swimwear on your property, other kinds of trees may serve you just fine.
   
   

3. Layer plants to create depth. Placing taller plants at the back of your property and shorter plants in front can be a visually appealing way to create a privacy screen! Additionally, taller trees and plants can block some of the view while layering shrubs and lower profile plants can create denser coverage at eye level.
   
   

4. Consider how quickly plants grow. If you want privacy quickly, it may be wise to choose plants that can provide coverage more rapidly. Bamboo or privet can create privacy within a few seasons, whereas slower growing trees may need years before they provide adequate privacy. As with any quickly growing vegetation, be cautious so as to avoid invasive growth.
   
   

5. Use vines and trellises. Rather than opting for a giant row of trees, utilize climbing plants or vines on trellises or fences to create a privacy screen. Ivy, clematis, and jasmine can cover structures and provide additional coverage without committing to the visually dense presence of a row of trees.
   
   

6. Mix in flowering shrubs. Adding some flowering shrubs into your privacy planting can add beauty and color to your yard, and give you seasonal delights to look forward to. Hydrangeas, lilacs, and flowering quince are good options that provide dense coverage and aesthetic blooms to provide a stylish but effective privacy screen. 

At Bella Vista Landscape, we love creating beautiful views for our friends and family in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, ID, and all surrounding areas! Whether you are seeking help with installing a patio or a water feature of simply want tips and information provided through our blog, we are eager to share our passion for landscaping and help you create your dream getaway right on your own property. Give us a call at (208) 995-3532 or fill out our online contact form for more information or to schedule an appointment today!