I like hedges instead of fences but there is certainly a big amount of work that needs doing to keep them looking good. As for privacy I think most of the issue in your space comes from people overlooking the yard from bedrooms and IMO there will be no advantage to a higer fence or hedge to stop them from seeing if they want to . Unless you run a rond naked in your yard to me it is anon issue in the suburbs . Some nice big umbrellas would be my choice.BTW that fence is pretty ugly

If your goal is to create privacy for your patio area, you don't need a new privacy fence or trees/hedges along the entire length of your fence. You could install some kind of privacy screen just off the back edge of the patio, and it would give the patio a room-like vibe. You can even do it on a budget using posts and outdoor drapes.

Oh wow, I like that thank you!!!

The fence is ugly, and I'd prefer to replace it. Someone was just telling me about a DIY horizontal fence option I'm going to look into. My husband is handy and I'm hoping is up to the task. We have quite a bit of room on the street side of the fence we need to landscape as well :/

Thank you for your responses, I really appreciate it!

I don’t think the fence is the problem. It’s the complete lack of landscaping that is the issue. Good landscaping can hide a multitude of sins. Are those lanterns hanging on it? If so, I’d remove them, they only draw one’s attention to the fence. Consult with someone from a good independent garden center for ideas. It’s a large space ( for me anyway ) & there are tons of possibilities available for you. That’s where I would devote my resources to.

Wow! K Lawrence, you are spot on. I like a rustic look, but don't have a real vision yet as to what we need to do. We've been I this house for 3 months and because I dont have an esthetic vision yet I'm trying to fix function first but maybe that's the problem. If I like what I see maybe I won't feel the need to fix things that are actually still functional? Lol, makes sense I my head. I just have to convince my husband to spend $1500-2000 on drawing attention away from the fence vs replacing the actual fence. Thanks again!!

I agree a mix of trees and shrubs and a fence would be good. Check your bylaws. Often you are allowed a one foot open trellis on top of your six foot fence. Every little bit helps.

Good call Kaillean!! I will check, I've seen trellises above fence lines in my neighborhood so hoepfully its allowed. Every little bit helps for sure.

Especially if you grow a bushy vine or rose along the top. That would give you even more height.

It's expensive to "level" ground as it requires a retaining wall. A slope is the less expensive way of dealing with grade change. That said, you're probably stuck with the grade you have. But you indicate there's planting space that you control on the other side of the fence ...? You need planting on one or both sides that grows above the fence height. Large shrubs (8' to 16') strategically placed would screen out all of the unwanted view above the fence. The planting could be a mixture of shrub variety for a very casual look, or or it could be a single species (as long as the light conditions are consistent) for a tidier, more tailored look.

Replace the fence. You can plant shrubs later.

Concentrate on landscape first:

Yes, agree with Dig Doug. Plants & trees take time to grow. With attractive landscaping the fence becomes inconsequential. I’ve never heard anyone comment on what a pretty fence I have( mine is actually a natural stone wall ) , the only thing they comment on is the landscaping.

Regrade, keep the fence add landscaping.

Fences make good neighbors. Doug does it again!