Transforming a small backyard into a private oasis can be a rewarding project. In this easy guide, we’ll teach you how to make your small backyard more private with tips and tricks that are both affordable and stylish.
Furthermore, we’ll explore other backyard improvement ideas such as how to create a modern backyard and how to build a cheap backyard fence. Let’s embark on a journey to create the perfect private sanctuary in your own backyard.
Materials Needed for Building a Backyard Fence
| Materials Needed |
|---|
| Fence panels or pickets |
| Fence posts |
| Concrete mix |
| Gravel |
| Screws or nails |
| Gate hardware |
| Stain or paint (optional) |
Install A Fence With Lattice Work Across The Top
Fences can be a great way to add privacy to your backyard, but they’re also one of the more expensive options.
If you’re on a budget, or simply don’t want something that’s permanent, try installing lattice work across the top of your existing fence instead.
The lattice will still give you a sense of privacy while allowing you to take down or move it when needed. Lattice is also easy to clean when it gets dirty just wipe it down with a damp cloth!
Creating a beautiful and private outdoor space doesn’t have to break the bank. Our guide on fully landscaping a backyard offers tips and advice on how to achieve the backyard oasis of your dreams without overspending.
Try Tall Trees And Shrubs
Trees and shrubs can help make a small backyard private. Evergreens are a good choice for giving the illusion of privacy, since their leaves are always the same color, even in winter.
Tall trees can also help create a sense of enclosure and make your backyard seem bigger than it is.
Shrubs with dense foliage like boxwood or yew are great options when you want to create an enclosed space with low-growing hedges.
Create A Sense Of Enclosure With Vertical Gardens
If you have a small space that needs privacy and a sense of enclosure, try planting vertical gardens.
These are plants that can be trained to grow up tall structures like trellises or fences. The most common kinds of plants used in vertical gardens are vines with trailing stems like morning glories and clematis (both hardy in zones 3 – 10).
You can also use climbers such as ivy, sweet potato vine, passion flower vine and trumpet creeper (hardy in zones 6 – 11).
How to Train Plants Up a Trellis:
Use twine or rope to attach the plant to the trellis at intervals along its length if needed; tie it on securely but not too tightly so as not to damage the stem. Leave room between each set of ties for growth later on down the line!
Transforming a small backyard into a private retreat is easier than you think. Check out our guide on making a backyard more small for simple and effective tips to make the most of your space.”
Consider Bamboo, Cattails, Or Hedges
If you’re looking for ways to make your backyard private, consider bamboo, cattails and hedges. These are all great options that provide privacy without blocking out light or obstructing views.
Bamboo is an evergreen perennial grass that grows up to 35 feet tall and 16 inches wide in some cases.
It provides excellent privacy as it grows in a dense cluster and can make it difficult for people on the other side of the fence to see through it.
However, bamboo also needs plenty of water so you’ll need to make sure there’s enough access to water if you live in an area where there aren’t any irrigation systems available yet.
Cattails are another good choice if you’re looking for privacy from nearby homes or neighbors because they grow tall quickly (upwards of 12 feet) which makes them ideal for screening out unwanted views without blocking out too much light from inside your home!
They also produce large amounts of seed heads that can be used as decoration around during summer months when not blooming yet still provide ample coverage overhead for shading purposes during those hot summer days.
Put Up Outdoor Curtains Or Blinds
Privacy curtains are a simple solution for giving your backyard a private feel. They’re made from vinyl, wood or bamboo and hung over the top of your fence.
Some privacy curtains even come with built-in lights to make them more attractive at night. Privacy curtains can add color and style to any outdoor space, making them perfect for both inside or outside use!
Whether you’re looking for something that’s easy to install or just want something stylish in your home, there are privacy curtains for every situation! If you want quick installation without drilling holes into walls or ceilings, then check out our selection of clip on blinds here.
If you love beautiful design but don’t have much room left in your budget after buying all those plants (we know how expensive they are!), then try one of these bamboo panels instead!
Create A Living Wall
Next, you can create a living wall. This is an excellent way to add privacy to your backyard and it adds something green and beautiful.
Here’s how:
Use a variety of plants including herbs, vegetables and flowers that are suited for growing in containers.
For example, if you have a trellis handy use it as an anchor point for your plantings. You can also build one using lumber that is painted white or stained if desired so it blends in with the rest of the fence or wall that holds up the planter box.
Make sure there is enough space between each plant so they don’t smother each other out over time, which happens when planted too close together!
If possible try growing different shapes/sizes within each group like how we did here at home but do keep those ‘spacing’ rules in mind too 🙂
Protecting your privacy in the backyard doesn’t have to be expensive. Our guide on building a cheap backyard fence offers budget-friendly tips and advice on creating a private and secure outdoor space.
Put Up An Awning
Awnings are a simple, effective way to turn any structure into a space you can use in the summer and winter. You can make your own or buy one pre-made.
If you have an existing structure such as a deck or pergola, adding an awning will give you more privacy without requiring major changes to your backyard.
If you don’t have any structures in your yard yet but want some shade from the sun and protection from rain showers, consider building one using wood or metal poles and creating it out of fabric that attaches easily with Velcro or snaps (like these).
Use Trellises For Vines Or Bright Flowers
Trellises are another great way to make your backyard feel more private. You can use them for vines and flowers that grow high up, which will give you a lot of privacy from neighbors.
To install a trellis you will need to dig holes in the ground where you want it or around the area where you want it, put some stones or rocks in there and then push the posts into those holes.
You can buy concrete posts at most hardware stores if you don’t have any on hand already.
It might take a while to get all of this set up because these things take time but once it is all done, it looks really nice and gives your yard an elegant look as well!
Plant Evergreens To Screen Out Neighbors
Evergreens are a great way to add privacy and beauty to your backyard. They can grow tall, wide, and even wide enough that they block out some of the view from your neighbor’s house. Evergreens also turn beautiful shades of red in the fall, giving you color all year long.
Evergreens are low maintenance too! Most types don’t require much care at all. You just need to water them during dry spells and fertilize them when they’re young (like once or twice a year).
When it comes time for pruning, evergreen trees are easy peasy because their branches grow straight up instead of outwards like most trees do—you just need trimming shears and gloves if you’re working with spiny varieties like cedar.
Hanging lights in your backyard can transform the space into a cozy and inviting oasis. Check out our guide on hanging lights in a backyard globe for easy and creative ways to add lighting to your outdoor area.
Use A Wood-Slatted Privacy Screen
A wood-slatted privacy screen is a great way to block out the view from other people, and it’s simple to make. You can build one yourself from scrap lumber and some rope, or you can buy one pre-made for about $100.
It’s also possible to use these screens as makeshift fences that keep small pets contained in their own space. They’re not quite strong enough for large dogs, but they work well for smaller ones like cats and rabbits.
A DIY privacy screen is easy to install: just attach the posts on either side of an opening (say, between two houses) by driving them into the ground with a hammer
Then run ropes between them horizontally until they are even with each other on either side of the opening; then tie off those ropes so they form an “X” shape across your yard.
Finally place slats between those ropes one per foot and trim off any excess string hanging down below each board as well as any extra rope hanging above each board (you want this stuff tight).
If you bought a premade kit instead of making it yourself (which we recommend), follow their directions closely because most come with specific installation instructions that might differ slightly from ours here!
String Shade Cloth Between Trees And Posts
String shade cloth between trees and posts. This is a great option if you want to be able to raise and lower the cloth for different amounts of privacy and shade.
You can attach it to two trees or posts, which makes it easy to adjust depending on the time of day. If you live in an area with high winds, this can also act as a wind barrier!
The shade cloth should be made from durable material like nylon or canvas, so that it doesn’t tear easily when touched by trees growing underneath them over time (which would otherwise cause holes).
Adding a sink to your backyard can make outdoor tasks like gardening and cleaning up after pets easier and more convenient. Our guide on installing a sink in your backyard offers simple and effective tips for creating an outdoor sink that works for your needs.
| Backyard Security and Convenience |
|---|
| Building a cheap backyard fence |
| Installing a security camera in your backyard |
| Adding an outdoor sink for gardening and cleaning |
| Creating a safe and secure area for children and pets |
| Choosing the right outdoor lighting for your backyard |
| Keeping unwanted animals out of your backyard |
Conclusion
Creating privacy in a small backyard is about more than just blocking out the outside world. It’s also about creating a space that feels like a sanctuary from your everyday life.
The best way to do this? Start by doing some research on plants and shrubs that grow well in your area, and pick one or two of them to fill in any bare spots in the yard.
Then, figure out what kind of fence would work best for your space (wooden slats for flowers?) and get started building!
Further Reading
How Much Do Rocks Cost for Backyard? Explained: This article provides information on the cost of rocks and how they can be used to add privacy to your backyard.
How to Create a Modern Backyard: Pro Tips: This article provides tips and ideas for creating a modern backyard that can include privacy features.
How to Hang Lights in a Backyard Globe: This article provides tips for hanging outdoor lights, which can help to create a private and cozy atmosphere in your backyard.
How Do I Build a Cheap Backyard Fence? Easy Tips: This article provides tips for building a fence, which is a classic way to add privacy to your backyard.
How Do You Make a Wedding in Your Backyard?: This article provides tips for hosting a wedding in your backyard, which can require creating a private and intimate space.
11 Ways to Create a Private Backyard: This article provides additional ideas for creating privacy in your backyard, including planting trees and shrubs, using hedges, and adding a water feature.
Privacy in Your Yard: Tips for Creating a Backyard Escape: This article provides more tips and ideas for creating a private backyard, including using fences, screens, and pergolas.
FAQs
Are there any alternatives to grass for backyard landscaping?
Yes, there are many alternatives to grass for backyard landscaping, such as rocks, gravel, mulch, and groundcover plants.
Are backyard breeders bad?
Backyard breeders can be a controversial topic, as there are both ethical and health concerns associated with breeding animals in a non-professional setting.
How do I make my backyard more private?
There are many ways to make your backyard more private, including planting trees and shrubs, adding a fence or wall, using outdoor curtains or screens, and creating a sound barrier.
Are backyard chickens a good idea?
Backyard chickens can be a great addition to your backyard, as they can provide fresh eggs, natural pest control, and fertilizer for your garden.
For 15 years, Hellen James has worked in the gardening industry as an expert and landscape designer. During her career, she has worked for a variety of businesses that specialize in landscaping and gardening from small firms to large corporations.