Even if you get along with your neighbors, you probably don’t want them peeking into your backyard during special events. Outdoor living spaces are often big and open, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be private. The right amount of privacy can help turn your patio into a place where you can relax, entertain or disappear. Here are some tips for making your patio more private:
Plant a tree
Trees are a beautiful and natural addition to your patio. They provide lush greenery, shade and privacy. This will feel less structured than a fence but will make your yard feel much more secluded. However, you should consider planting a tree that won’t overgrow and take over your patio space. Look into any of the following, which are easy to keep well-groomed but still offer shade and privacy:
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- Crepe Myrtle: If you plant this tree in the summer, you’ll find that it sprouts flowers in rich shades of purple, white, pink or red. During fall, the leaves transform into gorgeous shades of yellow, orange and red. It’s even beautiful in winter with bare branches and pink bark that gleams in the sunlight. It can grow up to 25 feet tall and 25 feet wide. If that’s too big for your patio, don’t worry. You can always trim it down to fit into your space.
- Fern Pine: Depending on what you need for your patio space, this tree can be trimmed down to any size. It has a round top, delicate branches and a deep green color with slim, fine leaves. Some would even say they resemble the needles of a pine tree! This gorgeous tree grows up to 20 to 30 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide.
- Japanese Maple: This is a sweet tree is a bit smaller, growing 15 to 25 feet high and about 10 to 15 feet wide. You can enjoy colorful leaves throughout spring and fall, with elegant bare trunks during the winter.
Retractable porch screens
Phantom’s retractable screens are a great way to get the privacy you desire while enjoying the experience of your backyard. They offer natural ventilation and protection from the sun, which makes your outdoor space more comfortable during warm summer months. The privacy mesh blocks up to 90 percent of UV rays and the thicker weaves provide added protection from peeping eyes. When privacy isn’t needed, the screens retract into cavities designed above the openings, completely hiding them from view. Click here to learn more about our motorized retractable screens and what they can offer you.
Add a pergola
If you’re looking to incorporate style and privacy, a pergola might be right for you. The structure’s design provides privacy but doesn’t look too closed in. It also allows you to hang flowers or plants to bring a little color into the space. It’s also great for hanging light fixtures like lanterns or chandeliers, which can bring a unique personality into your patio. You can even add motorized screens to create a wonderful outdoor room or additional privacy.
Listen to the water
Water may not block out any views, but the relaxing, trickling sound of it certainly blocks out noisy neighbors. You would be surprised how even the slightest trickle of water from a fountain can make a difference to the ambiance of your patio.
Build a trellis
A trellis doesn’t completely block the view of your neighbors or busy streets. However, it does provide just enough privacy to make your outdoor space more enjoyable to be in. If you wish to make it more secluded, simply plant flowers or vines along the deck and watch as they climb all over the trellis.
