Five Ways to Stop Neighbors From Looking Into Your Yard
We like to think that our home is also our fortress of privacy: as soon as you walk through the front door, you are free of prying eyes (or lenses) and can relax. There are many ways to ensure your privacy inside, starting with items such as window films , curtains and shades. And if you want to protect your outdoor space from neighbors peeking over your fence, you have some simple options .
However, most of these options assume that your neighbors are on the same level as you. If neighboring houses are located higher than yours, you will have to reconsider your privacy plan. This is especially true if your neighbors have outdoor areas that offer beautiful views of your backyard. If you feel like you’re being watched every time you leave the house, here are some ways to regain your privacy.
Plant trees
The easiest long-term option is to plant trees , especially canopy trees whose branches extend out and form a living roof over the area below. You should consult an arborist or other landscaping professional to identify trees with a canopy that will grow well in your region and climate. You’ll also need some tree placement tips to ultimately achieve a lush, thick “roof” effect that will provide the privacy you need (not to mention cool the space and block the sun’s damaging rays).
However, note the word “eventually”: trees don’t just appear in a matter of days. Maples, for example, are excellent canopy trees, but can take several decades to reach full height and size. But if you’re going to be in the house (and using the yard) for a long time, investing in canopy trees will solve your problem and beautify the space.
Install shade sails
A shade sail is usually a large triangular or rectangular sheet of fabric that can be attached to posts or existing structures in the yard (such as a fence). They let air and rain in, but block out the sun, creating shade where you want it. This means they can also be used for vertical privacy – one or more shade sails installed in the yard will block someone’s view of your yard from above.
Shade sails are relatively affordable and easy to install. You can buy a shade sail kit that includes everything you need, but it’s easy to make your own by sinking a few posts or attaching a few hooks to a fence or outside walls. They can also be quickly removed if your circumstances change.
Add a covered terrace
If you have a particular patio or deck where you spend most of your time watching your neighbors (or imagining you are watching), you can close it off quite easily using a few options:
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A free-standing gazebo or gazebo attached to the house, combined with outdoor curtains.
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A pergola with canopy is a less permanent choice that can also provide you with tons of privacy, at least in that particular part of your yard.
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A pop-up tent is a quick, cheap and temporary solution.
Build a gazebo near the fence line
Speaking of gazebos, if your neighbor’s house overlooks your yard, you can increase your privacy by building a gazebo close to the fence line where their house is located. The angle will work in your favor; even a modest pergola can block much of your neighbors’ view if they aren’t looking directly into your yard. And if you have multiple neighbors there, you can add heavy-duty arbors along the fence line to block off the corner everywhere.
You’ll have to check your local (or homeowners’ association) codes before starting construction. Some areas will require the gazebo to be a set distance from the boundary fence (such as 16 feet), while in others the calculation may be based on the size of the lot and the height of your fence.
Invest in high fencing
Finally, private fencing isn’t the best option for neighbors who are on higher ground, but if for some reason it’s your only option, take it a step further and install a very tall private fence . You’ll need to check local regulations to see if there are legal restrictions on the height of your fence, and then build or buy a maximum-height fence (you can buy pre-made private fences that are 12 or even 16 feet tall, although you’ll likely pay a premium price). As with perimeter pergolas, a high enough fence can block your neighbors’ view. Another option is to grow a ” living fence ” from hedges or other plants (such as black arborvitae, which can grow up to 30 feet tall). You’ll have to wait for your plants to mature, but this may be a nicer option than an encroaching fence.