What plants will grow to give us backyard privacy?

Ann Brooks
by Ann Brooks
What plants/trees will grow fast and large to block our neighbors behind us. I am open to other suggestions on how to create privacy.
  11 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Jan 14, 2017

    First what is your hardiness zone?

  • Hillela G. Hillela G. on Jan 15, 2017

    This Hometalk had a similar question, I think her answers will help you out! https//www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/garden/q-planning-for-summer-how-to-add-privacy-accross-back-treeline-12315795

    Planning for Summer , How to add privacy accross back treeline?
  • Hillela G. Hillela G. on Jan 15, 2017

    And, there's a lot of fence options if you want something that doesn't need the same kind of maintenence http://www.hometalk.com/diy/reclaim-your-backyard-with-a-privacy-fence-3621848

  • Rob Rob on Jan 15, 2017

    bamboo!

    • See 1 previous
    • Kate Baxter Kate Baxter on Mar 12, 2017

      Yes bamboo does grow thick and fast and that is the problem. It grows everywhere. Your neighbours will have it popping up in their garden which will make them totally ticked off with you. I would never put bamboo in a garden anymore than I would plant mint. They totally take over and you will spend all your time digging it out.

  • MaryAnn B MaryAnn B on Jan 15, 2017

    Remember anything that grows fast and large will a maintenance nightmare if a few years . I believe that some type of screening device is a better option and is immediate. Try a sun sail, curtains, lattice screen or a tall wire trellis to grow vines on. My neighbor planted arborvitaes between our yards, not only do they have to maintain them, because the split and fall in the winter. The roots are voracious . I need a jack hammer to plant anything 5 feet from them.

  • Annie Doherty Annie Doherty on Jan 18, 2017

    Great suggestions so far, I love bamboo but plant them in their pots sunk into the ground, that way you will have privacy, easy to maintain, sound reduction, able to enjoy the breeze also. You can combine these with a trellis or similar with climbing plants for colour and scent.

  • Annie Annie on Jan 19, 2017

    Bamboo is the best quick screen just be sure to plant it correctly. It's invasive. There's a website, "Fast Growing Trees"

    which might give you other ideas. I'm a big fan of climbing plants which soften a privacy fence. You could plant climbing roses, trumpet vine, honeysuckle etc., and plant annual climbers to fill in until those are established...scarlet runner bean, sweet potato vine, ivy, etc will do the job.

  • Sally M Sally M on Jan 19, 2017

    Many types of cypress trees grow tall and quickly. Check with your local garden center (not a box store one) and they can tell you the best types. Many grow 5+ feet in a single year. I have the same problem since my new neighbor cut down all the trees between our yards and I'm planting Carolina cypress trees next month to start shielding me from view.

  • Johnchip Johnchip on Jan 31, 2017

    Forsythia. complete wall in a couple years.

  • Claude Claude on Feb 03, 2017

    i did this in an afternoon with 30 days of growth, $40 for the deer fencing and $5. For seed

  • Claude Claude on Feb 03, 2017

    At the end of the season..I mow around and compost the vines.