Skip to content

Top Navigation

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Gardening
  • Home Improvement Ideas
  • Cleaning and Organizing
  • Recipes and Cooking
  • Decorating
  • Holidays
  • Rooms
  • Shopping
  • News

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin

Explore Better Homes & Gardens

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      Don't let these pesky plants crash your garden party! The first step is to know your enemy. Then you'll know the best way to deal with your weed problem. Read More
    • 6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      A professional organizer offers advice on how to tidy up your home without feeling overwhelmed. Read More
    • 5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      Anti-inflammatory smoothies do exist! Instead of blending in boatloads of sugar and artificial ingredients, try these smoothies for inflammation that are stoked with ingredients that may help lower your risk for chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, depression, and more. Read More
  • Gardening

    Gardening

    See All Gardening
    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    Upcycle old newspapers, junk mail, and other waste paper to make these easy, eco-friendly containers you can use to sprout new plants for your garden.
    • Flowers
    • Houseplants
    • Plant Encyclopedia
    • Garden Pests
    • Trees, Shrubs & Vines
    • Caring for Your Yard
    • Edible Gardening
    • Garden Design
    • Gardening By Region
    • Landscaping
  • Home Improvement Ideas

    Home Improvement Ideas

    See All Home Improvement Ideas
    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained

    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained

    With so many types of house styles, narrowing the list down to your favorite can be overwhelming. We'll show you the top 10 most popular house styles, including Cape Cod, country French, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, cottage, Mediterranean, ranch, and contemporary. Here's how to tell the differences between each architectural style.
    • Home Exteriors
    • DIY Home Electrical Tips & Guides
    • Outdoor Structures
    • Home Remodeling
    • Plumbing Installations & Repairs
    • Remodeling Advice & Planning
    • Flooring
    • Lighting
    • Decks
    • Porches
  • Cleaning and Organizing

    Cleaning and Organizing

    See All Cleaning and Organizing
    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule.
    • House Cleaning
    • Laundry & Linens
    • Cleaning Tips
    • Closet Organization
    • Organization Tips
    • Kitchen Storage Organization
  • Recipes and Cooking

    Recipes and Cooking

    See All Recipes and Cooking
    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    If you're a beginner baker who's just starting out (or a master chef looking to declutter), start with this list of baking tool must-haves. We'll help you set up a baking essentials kit for beginners with 21 pastry tools. For those who already own these handy tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to toss that never-been-used soufflé dish. Building your essential baking tools and equipment inventory starts here.
    • How to Cook
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Fish Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner Recipes & Meal Ideas
    • Ethnic Food
  • Decorating

    Decorating

    See All Decorating
    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    Designers weigh in on the most popular decorating styles, colors, and materials you can look forward to in the coming year.
    • Choosing Color
    • Expert Decorating Advice
    • Fireplace Design Ideas
    • Do It Yourself Magazine
    • Window Treatments
    • Styles & Decor
    • Interior Painting
    • Home Makeovers
    • Small-Space Decorating
    • Traditional Home
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays
    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    What began as a small movement, has grown into a global holiday dedicated to celebrating the strong women in our communities.
    • Valentine's Day
    • Mother's Day
    • Easter
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July/Memorial Day
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Juneteenth
    • Hanukkah
  • Rooms

    Rooms

    See All Rooms
    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space.
    • Bedroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Bathroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Kitchen Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Living Room Decorating and Design
    • Dining Room
    • Home Office
    • Kid's Rooms
    • Baby Nursery
  • Shopping
  • News

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. BHG.com
  2. Gardening
  3. Landscaping
  4. Landscape Basics
  5. 15 Easy Ways to Turn Your Yard into Your Own Private Sanctuary

15 Easy Ways to Turn Your Yard into Your Own Private Sanctuary

Sheryl-Geerts headshot
By Sheryl Geerts Updated April 16, 2021
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin FB
outdoor furniture sitting area of deck tree privacy
Credit: Keller and Keller Photography Inc
A backyard can be a haven from the hectic activities dealt with on a daily basis. Create a hidden sanctuary with these landscaping tips and simple solutions to make your yard more private.
Start Slideshow

1 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Raise Up Your Plants

woman in yard with tall flowering plants
Credit: Janet Mesic-Mackie

Give your favorite plants better view-blocking power by growing them in raised beds or berms. You will be surprised at how much more secluded your yard feels by mounding the soil enough to add a foot or two to your plants' height. Plus it puts medium-size plants at eye level. Grow extra-tall perennials to quickly create a living privacy screen.

Test Garden Tip: Raised beds or berms are also a perfect solution if you struggle with rocky, clay, or otherwise poor soil.

1 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Create a Room

Hammock above stone path
Credit: Andreas Trauttmansdor

If you don't want to work on making your entire yard a private paradise, take one corner and transform it into a secluded getaway. A simple way to do this is to carefully place a couple of trees to form a pocket. Here, for example, two pine trees make a hammock feel tucked away. A redbud tree just behind the hammock enhances the effect.

2 of 15

3 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Add a Lattice Fence

Lattice fence with pink flowers
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul

Do you feel a little claustrophobic at the thought of fencing your yard? Try adding a lattice fence. It's an ideal way to achieve privacy and enclosure without closing off your yard too much. Plus, simple lattice panels are perfect for showcasing climbing roses or your favorite vines. You may find that fencing with lattice is less expensive than building a traditional fence so you can save money to boot.

3 of 15

Advertisement

4 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Layer Plantings

backyard with lattice fence and flowering plants
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul

Most people's main goal of creating a sheltered yard is to block your neighbors' views of your space. But you can also make it an extra-secluded yard by layering plantings to form pockets or a living wall where you can't see your house or another part of the yard. That way you can feel like you're getting away from it all without actually going anywhere.

4 of 15

5 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Use a Hedge

outdoor furniture sitting area of deck tree privacy
Credit: Keller and Keller Photography Inc

Enjoy a wall of green by planting a hedge. Look for evergreen varieties such as the arborvitae shown here to provide year-round screening or try types that lose their leaves in winter but make up for it by putting on a show with attractive flowers or a blaze of fall color.

Test Garden Tip: While many plants are suitable as hedges, yours will be a cinch to care for if you select a variety that's adapted to your climate and that matures at the height and width you want your hedge to be.

5 of 15

6 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Look for Interesting Materials

plexiglass fence
Credit: Janet Loughrey

Use an unexpected element to screen the view into your yard to enhance the overall effect. For example, build a fence from out-of-the-ordinary materials or decorate a fence with architectural detailing. The plexiglass used here stops the neighbors from peering in but allows light to pass through. It also shows off textures on the other side.

6 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mix It Up

patio border hedge and fence
Credit: Peter Krumhardt

There's no rule that says you have to stick with one strategy for creating privacy. So keep your landscape exciting by incorporating several types of screens. For example, this patio uses an attractive fence as well as a low hedge. A large tree casts shade and blocks the view of the patio from above.

7 of 15

8 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Climb the Walls

window frame trellis covered in vines
Credit: Peter Krumhardt

Vines are like the Swiss Army knife of the gardening world—there are so many ways you can use them. Plant a flowering vine like this fast-growing morning glory to cover a fence, dress up a wall, or beautify a pergola to create a colorful living screen.

8 of 15

9 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Use Containers

enclosed checkered patio
Credit: Jon Jensen

Big, bold container gardens are ideal for creating privacy, especially if you have a small space such as a deck or patio. Plus, you can find containers and plants to fit any landscape style. Here, large metal containers hold majestic palms for a modern look.

9 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Hide Behind Structures

backyard patio enclosed by plants
Credit: Kelly Bugden

Let structures on your property create privacy for you. For example, tuck an outdoor living space beside your garage so the walls block views from neighbors. Or site a patio or deck where it's shielded from view by your home.

10 of 15

11 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Plant a Tree

Golden Locust tree by wood fence
Credit: Richard Felber

A single tree can be an effective way to block a view. Plant a fast-growing tree to shade your space from the sun and the neighbors' view in just a few years. Here, a golden locust (Robinia 'Frisia') does double duty: It shields the yard from view and creates a focal point in this garden. For year-round greenery, consider adding evergreen trees to your yard.

11 of 15

12 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Decorate a Fence

double door gate fence landscaping surrounding path
Credit: Jack Coyier

Let's be honest: Fences can look s little ho-hum. Luckily, they're easy to dress up with the right plants in front of them. Here, a border of easy-care annuals, perennials, or shrubs soften a fence's appearance. And extra-tall perennials that rise above the fence to provide additional screening

12 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Punctuate Your Yard

backyard nook created by trees and shrubs
Credit: Bob Stefko

Many homeowners plant trees and shrubs only around the perimeter of the landscape or as a foundation planting close to the house. But by planting them throughout the yard, you screen your space more effectively.

Test Garden Tip: Use columnar varieties if you have a small yard; they grow tall, but most columnar selections stay less than 10 feet wide.

13 of 15

14 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Keep It Simple

two-panel white fence on piled stone border
Credit: Rob Cardillo

There's no rule saying a fence has to run the entire length or perimeter of your yard. Put a panel or two just where you need it. It's a great way to save money and add to your home's curb appeal.

Test Garden Tip: To make a panel or two of fencing in your yard look more like a design feature, add a coat of paint to make them stand out, and use them to support an espaliered shrub or small tree, or an eye-catching climbing rose.

14 of 15

15 of 15

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mask Sounds

asian-style serenity garden water feature fountain
Credit: Andreas Trauttmansdorff

Privacy extends beyond your sense of sight. Install an outdoor fountain, stream, or other water feature to muffle bothersome sounds. Or look for plants, such as quaking aspen and many types of ornamental grasses, that rustle softly in the breeze.

15 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Sheryl Geerts

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 15 Raise Up Your Plants
    2 of 15 Create a Room
    3 of 15 Add a Lattice Fence
    4 of 15 Layer Plantings
    5 of 15 Use a Hedge
    6 of 15 Look for Interesting Materials
    7 of 15 Mix It Up
    8 of 15 Climb the Walls
    9 of 15 Use Containers
    10 of 15 Hide Behind Structures
    11 of 15 Plant a Tree
    12 of 15 Decorate a Fence
    13 of 15 Punctuate Your Yard
    14 of 15 Keep It Simple
    15 of 15 Mask Sounds

    Share & More

    Tweet Email Send Text Message
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Logo Products at Walmart
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Real Estate Real Estate Services
    Better Homes & Gardens

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Better Homes & Gardens
    • Help
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithBH&G is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Better Homes & Gardens. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.bhg.com

    Sign in

    View image

    15 Easy Ways to Turn Your Yard into Your Own Private Sanctuary
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.