Rural Fences: Livestock, Vermin, Repairs, Expenses and More

How to Improve Your Backyard Privacy Using Privacy Screens

7 December 2015 by Connor Peters

Privacy screens come in all types and designs. There are natural privacy screens consisting of living materials such as plants and shrubs. There are non-living privacy screens made of wood, brick, stone and metal. They can be as simple as picket fences or as elaborate as an outdoor cabana. It is really a case of different strokes for different folks.

As a homeowner, you have a unique set of privacy needs. So here are a few ideas you can look into to meet these needs.

Privacy fences

These are usually made from wood or metal and are placed between lot lines to maintain your privacy and, essentially, your neighbour's as well. These fences go all around your property, and depending on your skill level and the amount of time you have, you can install it yourself or call in a fence contractor to help you with it.

Regular maintenance will be needed to keep the fence functional. For instance, wood fences may have to be treated to prevent termite infestations and to minimize the amount of damage being done by varying weather conditions.

Retaining walls

This is one of the more expensive options because of the materials and amount of work going into installing a retaining wall. The wall is made from stone or brick, which makes it durable and resistant to all kinds of weather conditions. It can also act as a backdrop on which you grow your vines and creepers to create a 'living wall' of sorts.

You will need to call in a fence contractor for this one to make sure that the wall is safe, sturdy and straight so it can serve you and your family for years to come.

Landscaping

This is perhaps the easiest way to obtain privacy in your backyard. You only need to buy some trees and shrubbery and plant them in your yard, and in a few months, you will have complete privacy. You will need to have some patience with this option since plants can only grow so fast, but once they are fully grown, you won't have to worry about privacy issues anymore.

Make sure you grow trees and shrubbery that thrive in your prevailing climatic conditions for easier maintenance of the plants and better survival.

Enclosed Patio

The idea here is to have complete privacy while still enjoying your backyard. The patio can have floor to ceiling windows installed with reflective glass or window shades to give the feeling of being outside while still being inside. It makes for a great entertaining space as well.

Note that if your neighbourhood is under the Property Owners Association of Australia (POAA), you will have to run these ideas by them before starting construction to see if they are allowed. For more information about your privacy screen options, contact a local fencing contractor or landscaping company. 

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