Love the convenience of city living, but not the lack of privacy? Move over fences – because the best plants for privacy screening are right here!
While living in a town or city with neighbours to befriend and amenities nearby definitely has its pluses, there’s also the whole “people can see right into my yard” situation.
We live in the country so we don’t have that issue, but we used to live in a town and our back fence was chainlink – with a walking path right behind it! So yeah… I feel you.
Of course, using plants for screening doesn’t just apply to creating a more private yard space. Plants and small trees are also great for sectioning off seating areas or hiding things like compost piles.
Want to know nine of the best plants for privacy and screening in your yard? You’ve come to the right place! And if you’re looking for more info on creating a beautiful, easy to maintain outdoor space, check out my low maintenance landscaping post.
First up, three of the best plants for hedges. Or, check out tons more plants and flowers here!
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The Best Plants for Hedges
Not much cuter in the landscaping world than a nicely pruned hedge placed around the perimeter of a yard. Hedges are the first step in making your yard feel more private – and more cozy. Below you’ll find three super popular choices!
Cherry Laurel
Boxwood
Photinia
Climbing Plants for Trellises, Fences and Walls
I think climbing plants are quite possibly my favourite plants of all. They’re able to create a feeling of privacy that also feels cozy and – dare I say – a little bit magical? At our old house we had a variety of climbing plants to help screen our yard in and also just add to that urban oasis vibe. Below you’ll find a few climbing plants I love!
English Ivy
Star Jasmine
Latin name: Trachelospermum jasminoides
Description: Star Jasmine thrives in either full sun or partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil and once established is drought-tolerant. Star Jasmine also needs little training as a climber and will climb up trellises, fences and so on quite easily.
Honeysuckle
Need help choosing eco-conscious furniture and decor for your home? That’s what I’m here for!
3 Trees for Backyard Screening
My favourite topic – trees! Where we live now, we are very fortunate to be surrounded by all kinds of trees. Even so, we still planted two smaller trees in our front yard and plan to add more! Below are three of my favourite medium height trees.
Crabapple Tree
China Snow Lilac Tree
Mountain Ash
Whether you’re looking to create a hiding place from the outdoor world, order off a sitting area or create a boundary around your yard, these are nine of the best plants for privacy I could think of. And, of course, there are so many more!
Need some sustainable outdoor furniture and decor to go in your newly screened-off yard? Check out my post all about green outdoor living!
What plants and trees do you currently have in your yard? Are they there for screening, your enjoyment or both? Let me know in the comments!
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Last Updated on July 2, 2024 (Originally Posted on June 17, 2023)
Need help choosing eco-conscious furniture and decor for your home? That’s what I’m here for!
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