How to Get Privacy for a Patio and a Chain Link Fence

Question

Hi! A chain link fence separates my home's backyard from a busy playground. I've planted schip laurels for privacy, but my home's backyard still has next to no privacy. I used to have a tarp on the fence, but it didn't last long. Is there something else I can do to provide privacy to our yard and patio? We are not allowed to plant vines on the fence.

Lori J · Answer

Can you use the strips that weave into the fence?

Lauren of Mom Home Guide · Answer

I could, and have thought about that. I am not sure though, if the kids on the playground will be kind to the fence slats! Thanks for your input!

Sgraviano · Answer

Can you install a wooden privacy fence on your property like 1/2 foot this side of chain link fence? That way you wouldn't have to worry about children being unkind to your wooden fence! Something I've done and that works!

Lori J · Answer

I planted a red stem dogwood along our fence as a privacy screen. It has been a fast grower, is airy and the stems are a pretty red in dormancy, which is lovely with snow. They have a 10x10 footprint, but can be shaped to be narrower. They bloom,but not at all in a spectacular way. However, their fruit (tiny berries) were popular with birds in the late winter months. It is a woodland feel, nothing too formal or requiring a great deal of shaping. I prune in the spring and then walk away.

Gail Salminen · Answer

@Lauren of Mom Home Guide we back onto a public pathway and a park with a playground. We also have a pool so often felt like were fish in an aquarium :P We planted a creeping virginia (great red foilage in the fall and berries to attract birds) and after a few years it covered the fence completely. On the side chain link we planted a cheyenne privet hedge ( http://www.naturehills.com/privet-cheyenne ) What I like about it is it doesn't attract mosquitoes and it grows quickly as well. We keep ours at about 9-10 feet tall to provide us with privacy from the neighbours deck. In some areas of that fence I have also attached a thin bamboo screening to hide some of the unsightlyness of their yard - they put a compost bin on their side which was not very pleasing while sitting by the pool. Do keep us posted on your decisions and your success.

Blue Kelly · Answer

what if you used strips of cloth in the fence till something grew like bamboo?

Gail Salminen · Answer

@Lauren of Mom Home Guide I was just looking at the new postings and came across one by @ located here http://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/garden/extend-outdoor-living-area-create-privacy-from-neighbors-with-arbors-1662519 Looks like it can be done quite easily and her blog has great instructions.

Lauren of Mom Home Guide · Answer

Hi! I like the idea of the wooden fence just inside the school's fence. I will have to check with other fence providers -- the contractors I had come over for a quote didn't want to put a fence there because of all the tree limbs. I LOVE the idea about the arbor for the patio -- I will have to check that out. Thanks, everyone for your tips!

Cordelia comer · Answer

Lauren,

Another inexpensive idea is bamboo reed fencing . You just tie them to the chain link fence. It is easy to do, and you can do it yourself in a couple of hours/days. It does not 100% obscure the view, so you do not have the feeling of being in a prison court yard. That buys you some time, till the plants others proposed have grown enough to give you more privacy. It looks chic, is affordable AND environment friendly!

Phyllis Wenzel · Answer

Use large panels of stop-rip cloth hemmed with grommets. Lace these panels to the fence. I would use 1 panel per section on fence. Bright red or blue would be nice. I made drapes for our gazabo with this.

Tamera J. Beth · Answer

Fence or no fence I always landscape for privacy. It's always a good idea
 to consider all 4 seasons when landscaping for privacy. Good Luck.

Kimberly · Answer

plant ivy along the bottom of the fence in several places and as it grows weave it in to the chain link fence in no time it will fill in the fence and look like a beautiful hedge. You just have to keep it trimmed occasionally to keep it looking great. Best fence I've ever had!

The Garden Frog with C Renee · Answer

Since you are not allowed to plant vines on the fence I would suggest you put up screens made out of lattice or any material that can screen you from the neighbors. You could stagger a row of screens and grow vines on them for fragrance and color. another good option are Ligustriums or privets which grow fast. I have one that is over 12' tall and it is only 5 years old and it was a stick when I planted it. A living hedge is practical and beautiful for you as well. There are also other living hedges that are evergreen such as Arborvitaes which I love because there are several different kinds and they stay within a 4-5 diameter. I do not know your zone but certain hollies grow huge (they are not my fave but do grow fast). Depending upon your zone, there are other options for a living hedge. I suggest evergreens so the view is always green. Even viburnums here in the South get 12' or more tall. There are many options and right now is the perfect time to get them started. I would be very careful about any vine you plant since many can be invasive or at least very high maintenance to keep in check and not sprouting up all over~certain jasmine, especially virginia creeper, sweet autumn clematis, honeysuckle are the ones that come to mind. Good luck.

Lauren of Mom Home Guide · Answer

Thanks. I have planted skip laurels, but they haven't grown large enough yet. I bought a fence screen from fencescreen.com, but last year's got ripped up in the hurricane, so I am afraid to put this year's up -- I am afraid I'll have to take it down for another hurricane! I would love to put up 3-4 lattice screens behind the patio, but I am not sure how to build them -- I have never built anything before!

Lauren of Mom Home Guide · Answer

Sound great -- thanks! I might have to put up some lattice panels!

Elizabeth Sagarminaga · Answer

Grabbing some quite and private moments in your garden or outdoor space is not easy. I have also shared a blog discussing ten creative solutions for your outdoor privacy. Here is the link to it: http://blog.californiafenceco.com/10-creative-solutions-for-your-outdoor-privacy/ Hope you like it too. Do share your views as well.

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How to Get Privacy for a Patio and a Chain Link Fence

Extend Outdoor Living Area & Create Privacy From Neighbors With Arbors

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