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Landscaping help I need to create privacy without a fence

3 years ago

We are looking to create a space where we can hang out however we are not allowed to put up a fence the space we need to be friendly to accommodate a toddler but also allow seating we would like to keep the current paver patio but desperately need to spruce up the space any help and comments are appreciated. Location Chicago. :

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Comments (14)

frankielynnsie
3 years ago
Can you put in a trellis with vines? There are some trellis made with seating.
Tiffany F
Original Author
3 years ago
Thank you for responding! Do you have any photos? I’m having a hard time visioning it.
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Since you have the space and are "knitting" together a wooded area, it would be best to do a staggered double row for a fuller look and improved screening. You'll need shrubs (trees) that are capable of getting at least 30' height where you will leave the lower branches in tact (shrub form.) If you mix flowering and evergreen, do it in groups (3 - 5 - 7, etc.) Don't alternate as that will look dorky. Don't pick evergreens that will be giant trees and consume your yard (at the lower level) unless you don't mind devoting that much space to them. If you say where you live, others may be able to help recommend some species.
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We have a similar situation; a medium sized suburban yard with a mish mash of chain link fence. Replacing it with a privacy fence would be very difficult because a long stretch of it goes right through the middle of 40+ year old thicket of honeysuckle bushes with massive trunks and roots. They are great for privacy in the summer, but do almost nothing all winter. Neighbor has three motion lights that shine right in our windows much of the year! On one section with no honeysuckles we got the rolls of 6' reed fencing and tied it the 4' chain link with wires. It held up well for a few years but the wind and animals trying to climb it damaged it a lot. The wire holding it together is thin and starts to rust and break after a few years too. Cutting it back to 4' when it got ratty helped tidy it up a bit, but obviously a lot less privacy. It is a very temporary solution at best. Since your fence is not even on the property line, I concur that getting a new and more private fence pushed back to the line is a better solution. If that doesn't pan out though... the reed fencing is an option. Ideally you would pair the reed fencing with some type of evergreen shrubbery which will help as well. They help with noise too. We have a massive silver maple and previously had several in our yard and next door. Yews would grow under them, slowly at least. Sweet woodruff is a good groundcover for dry shade too, although it is not evergreen. If you do put in any shrubs, plant them far enough away from the fence so they have room to grow. I have seen our one neighbor out with a scissors cutting off just the very tips of our red-twig dogwoods that stick through the fence. People are strange.
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Comments (10)
Wow, if that were my property and I had access to the water, I'd definitely be marking it as my own. Does your neighborhood association allow you to plant right down near the water? I'd be tempted to take that bed with the two palms surrounded by hedges right down the side of your house to the water with an interesting mixed planting, native grasses, local waterfront plants, etc. Would be a big project but you could tackle it over a few years. Even just getting a bed laid out and mulched might signal a boundary line that warns people off. I'd also plant some stuff directly outside your pool fence on the side that faces front on with the water. Even some bougainvillea or something on the fence would give you a bit of privacy. And then another bed or planting that runs down the side of your house on the neighbor side to keep folks from coming in from the waterfront on that side. Given the long swathes of grass that seem to be between all the houses and the water, though, I suspect there may be some restrictions about what you're allowed to do.
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I honestly think once the fence is up it will look substantially better. Then plant some trees or hedges along your side and forget about the house. Your yard is still huge and lovely.
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frankielynnsie
3 years ago
https://www.plowhearth.com/p/55781

Look at images trellis with seating and they have examples of rustic and more modern versions.
PRO
Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Pergola would work
3onthetree
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
You are asking about screening the outdoor living area without using a "fence?" Are you not allowed to install landscaping along the lot's perimeter as a "fence?" Or are you only concerned with the patio area having an integral "fence," e.g. a canvas privacy screen hanging off a pergola?
Tiffany F
Original Author
3 years ago
@frankielynnsie thank you! I clicked the link and it didn’t work. :( @Celery. Visualization, Rendering images that is a great idea!! So pretty!! @3onthetree Yes we can install landscaping for privacy.
3onthetree
3 years ago
For privacy in 5B, I've done a mix of arborvitae and privet, strategically placing the evergreens where privacy is needed year round. Specimens or anchors with spruces.

For 15'ish high used "Techny/Mission" arborvitae, but "Emerald Green" is popular and sold everywhere. "Fat Albert" blue spruce. "Cheyenne" privet (seems hardier with long cold spells). Higher than that then "Green Giant" arborvitae and "Columnar" spruces.
frankielynnsie
3 years ago
Large Eucalyptus Privacy Trellis Screen | PlowHearth I hope this works.
fnmroberts
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago

Here is our privacy wall of Emerald Green Arbovitae around our hot tub.

Perspectives of adjacent plantings. In reality, Toddlers and pets cannot be contained merely with landscaping but it can set boundaries.

I too reside in northern IL.
Tiffany F
Original Author
3 years ago
@fnmroberts this is so perfect!! I love the way you made separate areas, while everything is so cohesive.
fnmroberts
3 years ago
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwi4GPFXDnVLKdmVeBmCSemb0BAbekB7d

Tiffany F

Thank you.

This video was created early spring a few years ago. It offers a more complete view of the patio and lawn.

We’ve been here 25 years, original owners. Everything was dirt. Much was DIY however the landscaping was professionally planned to assure correct selection and placement of various plants. Good luck with your lawn.
Tiffany F
Original Author
3 years ago
@fnmroberts its beautiful!! You really created a relaxing atmosphere!! I inspire to get there
fnmroberts
3 years ago
Tiffany F - you’re very kind. Patience is part of the journey, plant small and watch it grow. Having your patio in place is a huge starting point.

We live far NW Chicago area, near Crystal Lake. If this is close for you I can refer nursery and landscaping contacts.
Tiffany F
Original Author
3 years ago
Yes!! we are neighbors!! Any help is appreciate!

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