How should I landscape for more privacy with grasses/shrubs?

Ashley
by Ashley

We would like to place (4) additional evergreen screening shrubs/grasses in these "holes" to screen for a future pool. We probably have about 2-3 years until a pool install and would like the height to be about 6 feet (and very wide) and work nicely with these Nelly R. Stephens (about 12-15' tall) already planted. I was going to install Pampas Grass (for fullness, height, growth rate & complementing look) this weekend but have read the negative reviews and would love alternate ideas. These chairs are about 3 feet tall for reference and are placed about 7-9 feel (on center) apart. We live in far north central Texas in zone 7 (and pamas grasses are all over the neighborhood for screening).

Sketch of possible new grasses/shrub in front of the Nelly R. Stephens. Additionally, we will probably enclose the entire area (Nelly's, new shrub, & space for some annuals in front of all it) with a border to make mowing/edging easier for my husband.

Trampoline is likely in the future pool general location.

The Nelly R. Stephens are planted on a slight slope so planting new evergreen on the "inside" of them will provide taller screening than on the "backside." (there is also a couple of small plants here that will be moved)

I used these chairs for scale & placement reference. They are 3 feet tall and 2.5 feet wide.

  17 answers
  • I would check with neighbors about what else they have used successfully. See what else is growing around your neighborhood and then do some research on those species.

  • We put it a wall of arborvitae between our neighbor's home and ours, up against the fence surrounding the pool. They're awesome. They thrive in the sun, grow fast and offer complete privacy. See if they are appropriate for your area...

  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Oct 16, 2020

    My neighbors installed magnolia trees and other ornamental trees before having their pool installed and had to move them once they started the pool work- the pool folks told them that you should never plant but actually remove trees and large shrubs before starting on adding a pool because sometimes due to county codes and slopes in the ground, the pool can't always go exactly in the spot you want.


    But the Tiny Gem magnolias they have replanted in the area give shade, privacy and are beautiful now.

    • Ashley Ashley on Oct 16, 2020

      Thanks - good point. We have some magnolias as well - love them!


  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Oct 16, 2020

    Arborvitae should grow quickly and work well. However, keep in mind if you are having a pool put in later it may be a futile effort. When my brother had his pool put in, they had to do some blasting and if he had anything in the area it would have been ruined.

  • Ken Erickson Ken Erickson on Oct 16, 2020

    Usually city codes require a 6' fence when people have a pool. Check codes before planting and building pool. The fence may give you the privacy you want.

    • See 1 previous
    • Ken Erickson Ken Erickson on Oct 16, 2020

      I do like the pampas grass. It grows quickly and high. Also a partial decorative screen/wall can be placed between your pool and neighbor's property. I have seen many screens on DIY landscaping shows. You can search for them on line.

  • Dee Dee on Oct 16, 2020

    We planted 4 Oleander bushes in our backyard. They need very little care and look beautiful when blooming. I got blood red, but they come in pink and white too.

    • Ashley Ashley on Oct 16, 2020

      These are so beautiful! But with the toxicity so high I don’t want to chance it around kids and dogs.

  • Mogie Mogie on Oct 16, 2020

    There are many other ways to add privacy not just with plants. And if you go with plants remember any that are not evergreen will not provide privacy in the winter.

    Why not add something that will provide functionality as well as privacy.


    https://www.hometalk.com/diy/windows-doors/diy-wood-privacy-screen-44272222?expand_all_questions=1


    https://www.hometalk.com/diy/windows-doors/8-diy-privacy-screens-for-your-outdoor-areas-9042244?expand_all_questions=1


    11 Ideas for Better Backyard Privacy

    https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/11-ideas-for-better-backyard-privacy-48929


  • Ashley Ashley on Oct 16, 2020

    Very good point. We plan on doing a pergola on the other side of the yard for privacy on that side. However on this side, evergreens seem to be the cheapest way to cover a large amount of space. Buy them small and let them grow.

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Oct 16, 2020

    Hello. We have the various Pampas grass at oor zone 7a location and having so much of it —it is a nuisance to cut down every spring and dispose of. I’m not sure if you have contracted landscaping services or not -but it is something to consider.


    It needs to be cut down before the new growth comes in the spring time and all the remnants must be disposed of. Also I might comment that in heavy rains sometimes it flattens out into ugly unkempt shapes. It also needs to be divided up every couple years to prevent it from becoming naturally unslightly.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Oct 17, 2020

    Hello,

    Had you thought about trellis panels in between with climbing plants on or mature shrubs or trees.

  • Hi Ashley, I'd check in with your local cooperative extension office as well. They'll have great insight about what grows well in your particular area since there are so many options out there. Good luck!

  • Mogie Mogie on Oct 17, 2020

    This would provide seating and privacy just make the back to the height you desire.

    https://www.instructables.com/Outdoor-Privacy-Bench-With-Concrete-Seat/

  • Lauren of Mom Home Guide Lauren of Mom Home Guide on Oct 17, 2020

    Arborvitae would work well. Or perhaps you can try skip laurel bushes. We planted some in our yard against a chain link fence for privacy, and now they are quite large. You can see them in this post shortly after we put them in. They are MUCH larger now: https://momhomeguide.com/chain-link-fence-privacy-solutions/

  • Cindy Cindy on Oct 20, 2020

    Hi Ashley. When we bought our house, we had no privacy at all in our backyard. We planted Arbor Vitae around the perimeter of our backyard. It has taken a few years for them to grow and now we have complete coverage with total privacy. Good luck Ashley. I hope you are well.

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Oct 31, 2020

    There are many other ways to add privacy not just with plants. And if you go with plants remember any that are not evergreen will not provide privacy in the winter.

    Why not add something that will provide functionality as well as privacy.


    https://www.hometalk.com/diy/windows-doors/diy-wood-privacy-screen-44272222?expand_all_questions=1

  • Una Glover Una Glover on Jul 11, 2023

    I stumbled upon this thread and noticed it's been around for a while. Since it's been three years, I'm assuming you may have already made some decisions and progress with your landscaping. However, if you're still looking for ideas, here's what I can recommend: Instead of Pampas Grass, which had some mixed reviews, you could explore other options that have gained popularity in recent years. For instance, you might consider using Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis) or Zebra Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus'). Also, if you're still looking for excellent lawn turf, you can explore this excellent lawn turf from the UK. I hope these suggestions help, even though the thread is a bit older. If you've already completed your landscaping project, I'd love to hear how it turned out!