how would you improve privacy here

3 years ago

We’ve been in this house 2.5 years. Need help improving privacy.

Neighbour and his set up won’t change so need to focus on our side.

We are planning to swap out the deciduous magnolia we have with another tree, likely bitter cherry as it is taller and wider.

But in addition to that what would you do? I’m considering a trellis and clematis but am not sure how that would really work.

Biggest issue is the eye sore or the plastic and fabric. The deck isn’t ideal either

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Comments (8)

WestCoast Hopeful
Original Author
3 years ago
Closer photos of the garden area
Christopher CNC
3 years ago
The magnolia grandiflora you have is evergreen. The bitter cherry replacement is deciduous. More privacy and screening would seem to call for an evergreen.

You don't say where you are, but the pictures suggest the PNW. I am going to suggest planting one or two Chamaecyparis nootkatensis 'Pendula' and planning on letting them have that whole bed with time. Chamaecyparis nootkatensis 'Pendula' - Iseli Nursery
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You're going to have to do an inspection of the liquidamber (left side of drive) to make sure it isn't lifting the driveway. It seems rather close to the fence and the drive. Roots are invasive and aggressive. You are coming up on Fall, so around November would be a good time to prune out the excess foliage on the olive trees. I'd also take out that cement divider between the two olive trees and plant below the trees with mondo grass for a lush look. I'd wait for December/January to trim back the bougainvillea. If you are lucky, you might get a frost and then the leaves will fall off. Frost is a good thing since the vine has about 3-4" thorns that are not forgiving, so you'll need to see what you are grabbing when you cut them. Wear leather gloves and you won't be punctured nearly as often as wearing cloth gloves. While the flowers are pretty, that plant is pretty aggressive on the skin and you will want to get rid of it if it is near anyway you sit, stand. Already commented on are all the cubit bushes...they need to be pulled out. Fence in front. You should look on-line to find out the set back from the property line for fences in the front. Your front wall might already be in that place; but you'll find out. Already commented on above is turning the entry-way into a useable garden space. You might consider it since the rose bushes are right next to the walk way and those thorns can be aggressive. In addition, the entry-way is semi-shaded and the wrong place for full sun-loving rose bushes. And...good luck. I like the house. You can turn it into something special.
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A deep crawl space? The crawl space looks deep enough for a finished walkout basement or a two car garage. The crawl space looks like the front door should be down stairs. The crawl space looks taller than the main house above. Seriously, that is a dirt floored crawl space under there? The side view with the siding being lower than the floor level of the front porch only adds to the wacky. So here is a wacky solution: lower the whole front porch deck 3 or 4 feet. Put steps up to the front door from the deck as needed. That will help balance the tiny house above with the giant crawl space below, reduce the amount lattice needed and the number of steps to get there. I'd also consider moving the stairs to the left side of the house as a switchback staircase instead of a single long run across the front and swapping out the lattice for horizontal boards between the deck posts.
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WestCoast Hopeful
Original Author
3 years ago
Yes the top tree is evergreen. There is a second little one in the bottom bed. It is not evergreen. Of course neither is the bitter cherry.

I really want the privacy in summer when we are all outside hence me considering the bitter cherry, which we already have.

The other challenge is there are two large stumps in the beds that make planting complicated. It’s also relatively close to the house so want to be aware of the roots.

Do you have any other suggestions? I don’t love the one you shared unfortunately.

Yes PNW Vancouver
Christopher CNC
3 years ago
One of those PNW people who gets your fill of conifers and wants something else eh?

You don't seem to need anything much over the 25' range. So in deciduous, a tree size Japanese maple, Acer palmatum, a Kousa Dogwood, Stewartia pseudocamellia or Heptacodium miconioides.
WestCoast Hopeful
Original Author
3 years ago
So you don’t like my free plan of the bitter cherry then 😂
WestCoast Hopeful
Original Author
3 years ago
Japanese Maple was first on my list to buy if I needed to. Our neighbour actually has one on his side beside our house
Christopher CNC
3 years ago
I'm not familiar with your native Bitter Cherry, but if it is anything like my east coast Black Cherry, Fire Cherry or Serviceberry - Amelanchier, I don't consider them very dense or full trees. They are rather open branched and easy to see through.
WestCoast Hopeful
Original Author
3 years ago
This is the tree last May. She’s grown a good chunk taller! And this is her bare now. Second one in

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how would you improve privacy here

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WestCoast Hopeful
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Christopher CNC

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how would you improve privacy here

Comments (8)

WestCoast HopefulOriginal Author

Christopher CNC

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WestCoast HopefulOriginal Author

Christopher CNC

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