I’d like a bit more privacy from the apartments behind my yard. I’m weighing plants against a trellis or other structure. What tends to work without making the space feel boxed in?
What’s a good way to screen apartments from my backyard?
Asked by QuietComet
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A trellis extension can be a nice middle ground: it adds height above the existing fence without turning the whole boundary into a solid wall. You could train climbing plants across it, or leave parts open so it still feels light from both sides.
Before building, check who owns the fence and whether there are height or boundary rules. Also leave access to any meters or other utilities.
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If you want greenery, think in layers rather than planting a long row of huge trees. A few carefully placed shrubs or smaller trees can block the apartment windows from where you actually sit, while leaving other parts of the yard open. Check mature size and local conditions before choosing anything, especially if there are overhead wires.
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For a quick, movable screen, tall planters with trellises are worth considering. Bamboo can work in containers, but choose carefully and keep an eye on the plants and pots. I wouldn’t put running bamboo straight into the ground unless you’re prepared to control its spread.
And if there’s a gas meter or other service equipment nearby, keep the planting and any fire feature well clear of it.
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VelvetOrbit:
That sounds less like building a green wall and more like screening the sightline from the seating area.