Looking for privacey ideas

[BMW5MT]

Hello Lawnsite Members!

I'm 38 years old and live in the Northern Virginia area. This is my first post on this site and wanted to say hello and that I love the site and enjoyed reading some of the threads. I'm not in the business of landscaping, however I do find myself always riding through the neighborhoods taking pictures of people landscaping projects for ideas. Landscaping is something that I love but have a hard time figuring it out for myself.

The question that I have is regarding privacy screening in my backyard. I have two neighbors on ether side of me that I would like to block out just a little. Looking from the rear of the house, the neighbor to my right has a bright white fence, and the neighbor to my lift has no fence at all. What do you guys and girls recommend me add to give me a little screening other than a fence?

I know I can do a search but I wanted to add a picture for those that wanted to chime in with their ideas.

Thx in advance!
Mike

[nobagger]

I'll design a great privacy accent but it will cost you $150.00 non-refundable. I will give you 3 ideas professionaly drawn up (by me). Pm me if interested, rest assured we do designs all the time.

[BMW5MT]

I'll design a great privacy accent but it will cost you $150.00 non-refundable. I will give you 3 ideas professionaly drawn up (by me). Pm me if interested, rest assured we do designs all the time.


Thanks nobagger but I really wasn't looking for a full blown design. However if I change my mind I will look you up!

[BMW5MT]

I just wanted to add a few more pictures.

[BostonBull]

Row of Rhododendron maximum (Great Rhododendron) along the back where the wall is, up above it. These will get TALL, (up to 20'), very thick almost impassable, and have beautiful white flowers.
Maybe some Thuja occidentalis (Arborvitae), or Malus (Apple), Prunus (Cherry, Peach, etc), Pyrus (Pear) along the fence. These will give the added benefit of having a purpose! Plant them at least 6' from the fence, 8'-10' if your comfortable with that? Gives them more breathing room and less worries of interfering with the fence.

[BMW5MT]

Row of Rhododendron maximum (Great Rhododendron) along the back where the wall is, up above it. These will get TALL, (up to 20'), very thick almost impassable, and have beautiful white flowers.
Maybe some Thuja occidentalis (Arborvitae), or Malus (Apple), Prunus (Cherry, Peach, etc), Pyrus (Pear) along the fence. These will give the added benefit of having a purpose! Plant them at least 6' from the fence, 8'-10' if your comfortable with that? Gives them more breathing room and less worries of interfering with the fence.

Wow thx BostonBull! I really do appreciate the feedback and look forward to looking into your ideas. BTW the wall in the first picture is on a neighbors property. I drew a red line to show where my property line stops. My back yard is not that big. I live on about a 1/3 of an acre. Also just before the red line is where I want or plan to put screening on that side of the yard.

[BMW5MT]

Another picture of property line

[BostonBull]

In that case I would do the Rhodies out back still, plant them farther back, it will give them a wild natural look. Space them out.

As for the red line, plant some Ligstrum japonicum (Japanese Privet). it can get to 20 feet, if allowed, is easy to maintain, and is almost impossible to kill. Plant 2' off the border, and put down mulch with some annuals or even small perennial flowers on your side to break up the boring look of a line of shrubs. This will most likely be your cheapest option as well.

You could also do some different types of perennial grasses (Zebra Grass!), and some flowering perennials (Hydrangea).

Good Luck!

[BMW5MT]

Thx again BostonBull! I'm going by the nursery tomorrow if they are open and check out the trees you are talking about.

Thx!
Mike

[ericmcj31]

yeah I like the privet myself as a screen. If you want a taller screen-here we use Japanese Cryptomeria. Also Leyland Cypress (but I lean against the leylands as they are problematic in the long run). Illeagnus (~spelling) is also a very invasive, but good screen. If I were you, I would focus LESS on one plant species to "block" instead groupings that will give you privacy over time. Probably "anchor" plants on each end-being taller, and smaller, hedge-like stuff in the middle with larger plants thrown in there and stepping down to smaller stuff--sorry if that seems vague, but w/o a plan it's harder to explain in type.

[BMW5MT]

yeah I like the privet myself as a screen. If you want a taller screen-here we use Japanese Cryptomeria. Also Leyland Cypress (but I lean against the leylands as they are problematic in the long run). Illeagnus (~spelling) is also a very invasive, but good screen. If I were you, I would focus LESS on one plant species to "block" instead groupings that will give you privacy over time. Probably "anchor" plants on each end-being taller, and smaller, hedge-like stuff in the middle with larger plants thrown in there and stepping down to smaller stuff--sorry if that seems vague, but w/o a plan it's harder to explain in type.

You mean something like this?

[ericmcj31]

yes-but I mean't something drawn out (with plants);

[BMW5MT]

Oh, ok I understand. thx!

[STRINGALATION]

i'LL BE BACK

[BostonBull]

Heres what you could do. Put up a black vinyl chain link fence the whole way down the line. Then plant the Ligustrum (Privet), Buxus (Boxwood), or whatever you choose down that fence. Leave 5' gaps here and there and throw in some flowering Perennials maybe Hydrangea/Spirea/? Maybe some Ornamental grasses like Zebra grass? Then leave 2-3 15'-20' gaps in the hedge for some ornamental or fruit trees. By doing this you will break up the monotony of the hedge. The fence will keep everything separate and give a backdrop to your gaps and the neighbors side wont be as ugly. Don't forget to mulch 3"-4" deep the WHOLE way! This will also add to the look of things.

I hope that makes sense?

[STRINGALATION]

HERE IS A ROUGH VIEW OF WHAT IS BEING SAID. i like the black vinyl back drop and i also like the idea of spaces for perinneals and annuals . what i'm showing is the foundation planting.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd159/STRINGALATION/Untitled.jpg
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd159/STRINGALATION/Noname.jpg

[STRINGALATION]

not bad for 1.5 hours. at rusk rates that would $250.00 sweeet

[BMW5MT]

STRINGALATION, BostonBull, and ericmcj31 Thank you guys very much for all your hard work and wealth of knowledge; I really do appreciate it! I understand what you guys are saying and think they all are great ideas. STRINGALATION, thanks again for the drawing, it really do help me to understand what needs to be done. Thx!

Guys again thank you very much for your help.:usflag:

Mike

[BostonBull]

Post back with your decisions, and maybe some pics!

[ericmcj31]

no prob.! yeah-post some pics. when finished/progress!

[BMW5MT]

You got it guys..... The only thing is that its going to take me some time to get it all done. I'm kind of doing most of the work myself and this stuff isn't cheap. Also I travel a lot with my job so that doesn't help ether. I will take some pics though!

Mike

[LarryF]

BMW5MT

Nice looking neighborhood and lot! I have no idea why you would want to uglify them with fences and/or hedges. The properties that border yours look reasonable nice, so I don't really understand what you are trying to screen from your view. I feel that some of the recommendations you have received such as chain-link fence and Arborvitae would be especially unattractive. Chain-link fence might be appropriate for things like city parking lots, but it's out of place in a nice looking neighborhood like yours. And when Arborvitae gets tall, it starts to bend over and looks really terrible. When that happens, the only resolution is a chain saw. Privet doesn't look too nice either if not kept under control with almost continual trimming. Do you have a plan for doing that on your neighbor's side of of the hedge? And privet hedges are hideous in the winter. Sorry if these comment seem offensive, but I have a real dislike for artificial barriers, fences in particular, unless there's a good reason. Your explanation of a quest for privacy isn't understandable to me. I very much like what I saw in your photos just as the land is now; therefore, I think you are going in the wrong direction. But good luck anyway.

[BMW5MT]

BMW5MT

Nice looking neighborhood and lot! I have no idea why you would want to uglify them with fences and/or hedges. The properties that border yours look reasonable nice, so I don't really understand what you are trying to screen from your view. I feel that some of the recommendations you have received such as chain-link fence and Arborvitae would be especially unattractive. Chain-link fence might be appropriate for things like city parking lots, but it's out of place in a nice looking neighborhood like yours. And when Arborvitae gets tall, it starts to bend over and looks really terrible. When that happens, the only resolution is a chain saw. Privet doesn't look too nice either if not kept under control with almost continual trimming. Do you have a plan for doing that on your neighbor's side of of the hedge? And privet hedges are hideous in the winter. Sorry if these comment seem offensive, but I have a real dislike for artificial barriers, fences in particular, unless there's a good reason. Your explanation of a quest for privacy isn't understandable to me. I very much like what I saw in your photos just as the land is now; therefore, I think you are going in the wrong direction. But good luck anyway.


LarryF

I do understand your point and would have to agree with you whole heartedly. Also, thank you for the complements on the looks of the neighborhood. Speaking of neighborhood, my HOA would not allow :nono: us to install a chain-link fence, so that was out of the question anyways. I was more or less looking for ideas and was going to pick and choose what I was going to do/be able to do. The reason why I'm trying to gain myself a little more privacy from my neightbors is that one of them I don't get along with. The one i'm refering to is the one with the white fence. He was part of an old investment partnership that went bad :hammerhead:, plus I hate:wall looking ;) at all that stuff in his backyard and would love to tone down the brightness of that white fence. I also figured what ever I did on one side I would do on the other. With that being said and if you don't mind, I would love to hear what you recommend? :waving:

Thx LarryF
Mike

[LarryF]

LarryF

I do understand your point and would have to agree with you whole heartedly. Also, thank you for the complements on the looks of the neighborhood. Speaking of neighborhood, my HOA would not allow :nono: us to install a chain-link fence, so that was out of the question anyways. I was more or less looking for ideas and was going to pick and choose what I was going to do/be able to do. The reason why I'm trying to gain myself a little more privacy from my neightbors is that one of them I don't get along with. The one i'm refering to is the one with the white fence. He was part of an old investment partnership that went bad :hammerhead:, plus I hate:wall looking ;) at all that stuff in his backyard and would love to tone down the brightness of that white fence. I also figured what ever I did on one side I would do on the other. With that being said and if you don't mind, I would love to hear what you recommend? :waving:

Thx LarryF
Mike

Hi MIke,

Well, I'm pleased that you took my comments as you did. Here's a couple more.

I have never lived in a place with an HOA, so I didn't realize one had the power to prevent chain-link fences. But to me, that seems like an excellent policy. About a half a century ago when I was close to your age, my wife and I bought a house in a development very similar to yours with 1/3-acre lots. We were ecstatic about it and thought we would never move. Within a couple of years the chain-link fences started to appear, and thanks to our next-door neighbors, we had one on each side of our back yard; however, here was none in the back. In those days it was a custom to insert plastic ribbon in the links to provide privacy, but of course each of my neighbors had different taste in color. I think that's when I started to use the term "uglify" to characterize what others considered to be home improvement. Well, we stayed there for more than 20 years, but when we left, I have to admit to being happy to leave the prison-like appearance of that back yard.

I never told those side neighbors what I thought of their fences and I didn't really have a problem with either of them during all those years, but I'm sorry to hear that's not the case with yours. But that white fence you have to look at isn't as bad as the ones I lived with. I too would prefer not to have it there, but I feel that putting up even more fences may not improve things for you. If I were in your shoes, I guess I would be planning on first spending my money on a beautiful patio instead of fences. I noticed what I think are a couple of barbeque units in your yard, so I take it that you an your family enjoy that sort of thing. A good-looking patio would take your mind off your neighbor's white fence, and after it's finished you can start planting designs around that. Here's a photo of one I designed and had built, and it was taken before I did any plantings or installed handrails on the porch. by the way, to give you an idea of when I did this, my little granddaughter shown in the photo is now 10 years old.

[grass2cash]

BMW, are you in Reston? The neighborhood looks really familiar.

[BMW5MT]

BMW, are you in Reston? The neighborhood looks really familiar.


Actually I'm in Woodbridge VA.

[BMW5MT]

Hi MIke,

Well, I'm pleased that you took my comments as you did. Here's a couple more.

I have never lived in a place with an HOA, so I didn't realize one had the power to prevent chain-link fences. But to me, that seems like an excellent policy. About a half a century ago when I was close to your age, my wife and I bought a house in a development very similar to yours with 1/3-acre lots. We were ecstatic about it and thought we would never move. Within a couple of years the chain-link fences started to appear, and thanks to our next-door neighbors, we had one on each side of our back yard; however, here was none in the back. In those days it was a custom to insert plastic ribbon in the links to provide privacy, but of course each of my neighbors had different taste in color. I think that's when I started to use the term "uglify" to characterize what others considered to be home improvement. Well, we stayed there for more than 20 years, but when we left, I have to admit to being happy to leave the prison-like appearance of that back yard.

I never told those side neighbors what I thought of their fences and I didn't really have a problem with either of them during all those years, but I'm sorry to hear that's not the case with yours. But that white fence you have to look at isn't as bad as the ones I lived with. I too would prefer not to have it there, but I feel that putting up even more fences may not improve things for you. If I were in your shoes, I guess I would be planning on first spending my money on a beautiful patio instead of fences. I noticed what I think are a couple of barbeque units in your yard, so I take it that you an your family enjoy that sort of thing. A good-looking patio would take your mind off your neighbor's white fence, and after it's finished you can start planting designs around that. Here's a photo of one I designed and had built, and it was taken before I did any plantings or installed handrails on the porch. by the way, to give you an idea of when I did this, my little granddaughter shown in the photo is now 10 years old.

LarryF

Thanks for the photo and great job on the patio. My plans for that is to put in a screened-in deck with a lower stone patio for the grill cooking area. I forgot to mention in my last post that fences make for good neighbors however I don't plan on installing one. All I want to do is install some greenery near both property line without any kind of hard border. Kind of how you see some housed where they have a few evergreens between the properties just for a little privacy.

[LarryF]

LarryF

Thanks for the photo and great job on the patio. My plans for that is to put in a screened-in deck with a lower stone patio for the grill cooking area. I forgot to mention in my last post that fences make for good neighbors however I don't plan on installing one. All I want to do is install some greenery near both property line without any kind of hard border. Kind of how you see some housed where they have a few evergreens between the properties just for a little privacy.

Sounds good, but if you haven't been through anything like the deck and patio project you mentioned, you may want to make those your first priorities. Those activities may involve bringing heavy equipment into you back yard, perhaps even a concrete transit-mix truck, and if already planted, that greenery might be a hindrance and some of it may even be destroyed during the construction. Also, once the deck and patio are complete and you and your family are enjoying the real thing, their presence may modify whatever selection and arrangement of the greenery you might be thinking of. Good luck with it.

[BMW5MT]

Sounds good, but if you haven't been through anything like the deck and patio project you mentioned, you may want to make those your first priorities. Those activities may involve bringing heavy equipment into you back yard, perhaps even a concrete transit-mix truck, and if already planted, that greenery might be a hindrance and some of it may even be destroyed during the construction. Also, once the deck and patio are complete and you and your family are enjoying the real thing, their presence may modify whatever selection and arrangement of the greenery you might be thinking of. Good luck with it.


Thanks for the wisdom Larry, I will keep that in mind when installing any kind of plants, trees or shrubs. I don't plan on installing shrubbery like you see in the diagram. Thanks again!

Mike

[DA Quality Lawn & YS]

BMW
I don't want to add confusion to the mix, but reading your very first post...do you want to block the view of your neighbors into your lot, or just add a natural boundary to the perimeter of your property line to give you some mental peace of mind?

If the latter, you could look at doing a series of raised mulched beds to separate their land from yours. Put some taller shrubs (like dogwood, viburnum, or even perhaps a columnar arborvitae) at the rear of the beds and smaller shrubs or perennials of your choice at the front. This would give you some screening with the taller shrubs/evergreens but yet an attractive 'border buster' as well.

[BMW5MT]

BMW
I don't want to add confusion to the mix, but reading your very first post...do you want to block the view of your neighbors into your lot, or just add a natural boundary to the perimeter of your property line to give you some mental peace of mind?

If the latter, you could look at doing a series of raised mulched beds to separate their land from yours. Put some taller shrubs (like dogwood, viburnum, or even perhaps a columnar arborvitae) at the rear of the beds and smaller shrubs or perennials of your choice at the front.


DA Quality Lawn & YS

Thank you for your response! I want to do a little of both actually. Looking out of the back of my house the neighbor to my left do not have a fence so your idea of a natural boundary would be perfect. The neighbor to my right does have a fence and I would like to slightly block out the view of the abundance amount of stuff in his backyard. I would also like to balance out my yard too. On one side I have my neighbor to the right that has a fence and the other side I can see clear done to the neighbor on the corner which is about five house done. I hope that I was able to clear that up a little. (Clear a mud right?) The backyard feels a little lopsided plus I want a mental peace of mind.

Mike

[BMW5MT]

Guys

I found a picture of what I'm kind of looking for in the background. What do you think about this concept?

DA Quality Lawn & YS: Is this what you were referring to in your last post?

Mike

[DA Quality Lawn & YS]

BMW- the raised beds in the background are similar to what I was thinking for you.
Perhaps not with the large evergreen trees though - you don't want to overwhelm the rest of the bed with such large trees. Don't think you are looking for a windbreak, just a privacy screen. Columnar arborvitae may suffice for you here, perhaps techny arborvitae.

[LarryF]

Guys

I found a picture of what I'm kind of looking for in the background. What do you think about this concept?

DA Quality Lawn & YS: Is this what you were referring to in your last post?

Mike

That's beautiful. Hope yours turns out as well. But I'd like to repeat two points I made in my earlier posts. One is that the border plantings should be done only after the heavy construction phase that will include the patio and deck; otherwise, those already-in-the-ground plants may interfere with that work. And the second is that for your sake I sure hope you don't make the mistake of planting arborvitae for the reason I stated previously.

[Dreams To Designs]

Mike, spend some wise money first. Pay for a landscape consultation or hire a designer. I understand you have a limited budget, but the most important thing to do with limited funds is spend them wisely, once. You have a nice home in a typical suburban neighborhood. Decorate the outside wisely, not just what you think you like or what someone told you, go with the knowledge that will improve your property, satisfy your needs and desires and most importantly be sustainable. All the suggestions you have received deserve merit, but without a proper interview and determination of your current and future needs for your property and a thorough site analysis, we are all just guessing.

Spend some money on a consultation, and if it all makes sense, go for a well thought out design plan, that you can implement when time and money are available. A plan will prevent you from doing things twice, purchasing the wrong plants for the wrong place and ultimately save you money. Most plans are designed to be implemented in stages. There is a system to good landscaping. If you follow the steps and a plan, you will create a landscape that compliments your home and fulfills your dreams.

Kirk

[BMW5MT]

Mike, spend some wise money first. Pay for a landscape consultation or hire a designer. I understand you have a limited budget, but the most important thing to do with limited funds is spend them wisely, once. You have a nice home in a typical suburban neighborhood. Decorate the outside wisely, not just what you think you like or what someone told you, go with the knowledge that will improve your property, satisfy your needs and desires and most importantly be sustainable. All the suggestions you have received deserve merit, but without a proper interview and determination of your current and future needs for your property and a thorough site analysis, we are all just guessing.

Spend some money on a consultation, and if it all makes sense, go for a well thought out design plan, that you can implement when time and money are available. A plan will prevent you from doing things twice, purchasing the wrong plants for the wrong place and ultimately save you money. Most plans are designed to be implemented in stages. There is a system to good landscaping. If you follow the steps and a plan, you will create a landscape that compliments your home and fulfills your dreams.

Kirk

I agree with all of you guys.... and you are right Kirk, I think I'm going to take a step back and get a plan drawn up. What is the average price of a good design and who would I go to for that? Thx!

Mike

[Dreams To Designs]

Mike, I can't tell you what kind of prices you will pay in your region. You will pay more for someone with knowledge, skills and ability, but you should get what you pay for. Around here you would pay a minimum of $750 to a high range of $2500 depending on the quality of the designer and the complexity of the design. Consultation rates would start at $100 per hour and increase from there, including onsite walk through with you and notes and suggestions. Typically about 3 hours. There are quite a few qualified and in your area.

Give Dave a call, and if he can't help you, I'm sure he can put you in touch with someone who can.
http://www.davidmarciniakdesigns.com/

Dave & I collaborate on projects occasionally, and he has the skills to design your project from soils & drainage right through to landscape lighting. And than he can help you with installation or refer you to installers that can perform the heavy work.

Kirk

[BMW5MT]

I love this site, you guys have been a big help!:usflag:

Thanks
Mike