My dilemma....Creating privacy at the back of this house without breaking the bank.

Really love this house but it's got a serious privacy issue. It's on a corner lot and the back is wide open so anyone who drives by on either street can see EVERYTHING. Trying to figure out how to create an inviting private space on the cheap. I'm a pretty good DIYer, not afraid to tackle the project on my own.

Any ideas????

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ALL the neighbors can see EVERYTHING! It's got potential but I need some inspiration and ideas.

44 Comments Displaying 25 of 44 comments | See Previous

Kernisha D Huntsville, AL

maybe some colorful fabric or a large piece of art, doesn't have to be expensive. it can be homemade. i saw someone make a fabric fece on a home decorating show a lng timeago and thought it looked great. ji just cant remember the show

on Jun 09, 2012 · Like 0
Jeanette S Atlanta, GA

It would not cost much to sink 4x4 posts in concrete, brace them good and then use lattice work as a screen. one on each side located a few feet away from the patio would give you room for a manageable flower garden. A nice bush planted at the edge of the bracing would keep people from stumbling over it.

on Jun 09, 2012 · Like 2
Pam R Louisville, KY

I like ornamental grasses and Nandina. Nandina makes a great hedge and doesn't lose it's leaves. Also ornamental grass doesn't have to be cut back but can be in the spring and grows back fast. You could also add some panel sections around the area you want the most privacy

on Jun 09, 2012 · Like 3
Therese C Greenfield, IA

Here is an idea I cam up with..I draw much better with my hand than the "paint" tool...lol
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on Jun 09, 2012 · Like 0
Pettigrew S Moore, SC

I like the idea of several lattice panels on which you can grow some confederate jasmine. During the summer while waiting for the jasmine to cover the trellis, use a summer vine like morning glory or other annual vine. I think you would regret planting bamboo because it is hard to control and get rid of. It will grow from the yard under your house (yes, even in the dark crawl space.) A fast growing evergreen shrub for border plants around your yard or grouped in clusters of 5 is ligustrum.

on Jun 09, 2012 · Like 1
Betty M San Antonio, TX

Try this, if you can open it. lol I drew what I think would be helpful.
Good Luck. :)
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on Jun 09, 2012 · Like 1
Amanda H Oil City, PA

Some of my friends are using sheer white curtain panels to "enclose" their decks to create more privacy, and then they tie them back when they want more openess

on Jun 09, 2012 · Like 0
Karen R Aurora, IL

I live in Aurora, IL and have a similar situation with needing a fence but cannot afford it. I have a single home that's backyard is backing up to townhomes that are two story. I feel that I am on stage everyday!! I wish I could do the fence drawers ideas, but I still feel it's probably too expensive. Any ideas for me?

on Jun 09, 2012 · Like 0
Betty H Summers, AR

I agree with Sherry L, we have Carolina Jasmin on our arbor, it stays green year round, the aroma of the flowers is heaven. The Bumble Bees like it also, but they haven't bothered us, they seem non aggressive.

on Jun 09, 2012 · Like 1
Linda W Fremont, NE

put a hedge upor privacy fence..

on Jun 09, 2012 · Like 0
Mandy M Duluth, GA

Oh my gosh! More wonderful responses than I ever imagined. Great ideas, even drawings! You all are AWESOME! Thank you.

on Jun 09, 2012 · Like 2
Pat L Winston Salem, NC

I just planted hybrid willows around the perimeter of my back yard for the same reason. They supposed to be extremely fast growing! Praying for quick results.

on Jun 09, 2012 · Like 1
Kandee S Reno, NV

I like to plant fruit trees if any so that I can get fruit off of them as well as shade. Good luck Mandy let us know what you come up with.

on Jun 09, 2012 · Like 0
Jan C Duluth, GA

I agree - maybe at the most visible area in the corner by the street, use posts and lattice (the new white plastic so no maintenance is involved in future) and do a "corner fence with maybe two sections in each direction, then plant climbing vine. Also, up by patio maybe some Butterfly bushes which grow very quickly and bush out, plus are colorful, Rose of Sharon and Loropetalum are a few of my favorite, quick growing and colorful. You can also go by a construction site close by and ask ...»
them to deliver a load of fill dirt and dump on the corner and create a raised berm, then plant your shrubs and it will raise them and help block it faster. That's just hard labor forming the dirt with shovel, but wouldn't need carpentry skills as in a fence. Also, a lot of shrubs go on sale in middle July cause the nurseries, Home Depot/Lowes don't want to water them anymore. They are a lot cheaper, but you will need to water carefully through the rest of this summer and then they'll be fine for next year!

on Jun 10, 2012 · Like 1
Jeanette S Atlanta, GA

CAUTION!! Both Bamboo and Nandina are considered nuisance plants. They put out runners which make more plants! DO NOT use these! To Karen R, for privacy where you are towered over by 2 story homes, put up a pergola and put curtains on the posts. Tip: For curtains, you can use canvas drop cloths easily purchased at the paint store! Use that manufactured material for no maintenance and long life! This should not cost a fortune and would not require expert skills to put up. Just make sure it is braced and anchored securely.

on Jun 10, 2012 · Like 1
D P Grand Rapids, MI

you can buy canvas drop cloths for around 15.00, if you put eyelets around the edges you could rope lash them to a frame of 2x4's with screw in eyes and make a "wall" for privacy around the deck until you grow a hedge. I prefer a live fence over a structured one. it will last a lot longer and not require painting.

on Jun 10, 2012 · Like 0
Chris H

trellis' with moonvines or saucer and cups to grow on, the investment into thunga green cedars that will be large in 5 years and create a room for you, if looking for something more architectural in nature then a woven fence would be something different and texturally they are inexpensive just have access to small branches and hedging. Here is an example in the lower lefthand corner on this page http://www.ben-law.co.uk/products.html

on Jun 10, 2012 · Like 0
Linda S Cunningham, TN

leyland cyprus grow really quick make a row of them buy 2 footers 3 years they'll be up over your head

on Jun 10, 2012 · Like 0
P R Live Oak, FL

i bought 2 footers 3 years ago and now they are about 5 ft wide and10 to 12 ft tall.

on Jun 10, 2012 · Like 0
Eli A Richmond, VA

Bamboo? There are lots of non invasive kinds. It really is easy to keep under control if you have the invasive. All Bamboo is is grass. You just have to step on the culms when they sprout twice a year. They're good to eat too (think bamboo shoots). Not sure where in GA Duluth is, but there's a terrific place to get Bamboo in Anderson, SC. They have some very rare species.

on Jun 10, 2012 · Like 2
Sherrie S Debary, FL

I live in an HOA and my neighbor had the same privacy issue with the home behind his house. He planted a beautiful bamboo area that grew quite fast & hasn't spread to other areas of his yard. It solved the privacy issue rather quickly.

on Jun 10, 2012 · Like 1
Connie R Baytown, TX

What about a living hedge?? Use fast growing plants or shrubs.

on Jun 11, 2012 · Like 0
Clay B Chesapeake, VA

Check out http://www.fast-growing-trees.com/ThujaGiant..., the Giant Green Thuja, I got a few. Grows tall but narrow, and will grow together.
They grow fast, so get the cheaper small ones. Best part, no trimming needed.

on Jun 11, 2012 · Like 1
Alethea S Springfield, OH

If you choose not to have all greenery around your outdoor space, you might consider sinking some posts (not too expensive) and then stapling on some willow fencing or some inexpensive bamboo blinds. You could plant some shrubs, roses, or as Clay suggested, Giant Green Thuja, on the other side to dress it up some.

on Jun 11, 2012 · Like 0
Kandee S Reno, NV

My hubby drilled a hole in a rock, we then put plastic tub in it and connected it to water pump, this rock sits in a big planter and we have a water feature. I then took more planters and added herbs and flowers we now have private corner in our busy yard. I just like plants that produce food of some kind. Now if you have wild animals, bulbs planted they don't like them. Rosemary is beautiful, bug repellent and smells great. Trees are leaves and messes that way. I still like the clear wire and hang home made drapes off it.

on Jun 11, 2012 · Like 1