Natural Fencing: How Plants Can Add Privacy To Your Home
As a homeowner, we’re sure you’re familiar with the different types of fences. From wood and chain link, to chicken wire and steel rail, the options for a fence seem almost limitless. However, one fence type you likely aren’t familiar with is natural fencing. If you love plants and are looking for an eco-friendly way to add privacy around your home (and increase your home’s value), natural fencing may be the perfect solution! Below, you’ll find more information about natural fencing, such as:
- What natural fencing is
- The benefits of plant fencing
- The types of plants that can add privacy to your home
So, can plants really give your home the privacy it needs? Let’s find out!
What is natural fencing?
Natural fencing is the process of strategically planting certain plants to create a border of privacy around your home. This type of fencing can provide your home with the privacy it needs all while benefiting the environment—making it a win for you, and our ecosystem. However, natural fencing isn’t for everyone! Strategically planting and growing these plants will take time—in some cases even a few years. The plants will need time to grow and develop to protect your home like you need them to. So, if you’re on a short timeframe, or don’t have the patience to wait, a traditional fence may be the better fit. But if you do have the patience and the time to let these plants develop, then you’ve come to the right place. Natural fencing has the ability to transform your home, and create an outdoor oasis for your family and guests. Plus, the type of plant you choose will determine what kind of fencing you need—but we’ll get into that more later. First, let’s talk about the benefits of plant fencing.
What are the benefits of natural fencing?
There are quite a few reasons to choose plant fencing to increase your home’s privacy. Here are a few you should consider:
Natural fences are completely customizable
The look of your plant fence is completely up to you! If you want flowering plants, no problem. Tall, green shrubs, no problem. You have the freedom to create a fence that is completely your own design and complements your home.
They’re long-lasting
With proper care, plant fencing can last for decades. Other fence types may rot, split or break and need repair—costing you more money and jeopardizing your privacy. This won’t be a concern for natural fencing though!
There are a variety of plant choices
As we mentioned earlier, there are a variety of plants to choose between when planning your natural fence (10 of which we’ll get into below).
It’s aesthetically pleasing
Would you rather look into your lawn and see a chain link fence or a row of well-trimmed shrubs protecting your home? Natural fences are more aesthetically pleasing than traditional fences due to their uniqueness, color and variety.
Plant fences offer an extra level of protection
If you’re worried about children getting out, or critters getting in, plants can help with that too. To protect your lawn from pests scurrying in, line your yard with thorn-covered plants. Or, plant holly bushes. Their leaves aren’t as dangerous as thorns, but they are still uncomfortable which may prevent children or pets from escaping your yard. Now that you know what a natural fence is and its benefits, let’s discuss the different types of plants you can choose from to increase your home’s privacy.
10 Plants That Increase Your Home’s Privacy
1. Emerald Green Arborvitae
Emerald Green Arborvitae are a common choice for homeowners looking to increase their home’s privacy. These evergreen trees will live all year long, and could grow up to 15 feet tall.
2. Cherry Laurel
This shrub is also evergreen, meaning it will offer protection all year long. Cherry Laurel grow between 15 and 36 feet tall, making them perfect plant to protect your lawn against snooping neighbors. Additionally, Cherry Laurel shrubs flower in the spring, so you’ll be able to enjoy their creamy white flowers throughout the season.
3. Ivy
If you have an existing fence or want to set up a trellis, ivy may be the ideal plant to choose for increasing privacy. Vining plants like ivy grow quickly and can be rather aggressive though, so be careful in your decision to plant ivy in your yard. But from a privacy standpoint, the density of ivy is unmatched! There are other vine-like plants that may offer extra protection around your home. Climbing roses, for example, are quite breathtaking. However, you’ll have to train them to climb up a fence, wall, pergola, etc. which will take time.
4. Boxwood
Boxwood shrubs are easy to grow and maintain, and they’ll live all year long. You can shape them however you like, too. They won’t grow too tall though, so you may get more privacy with options like Emerald Green Arborvitae and Cherry Laurel.
5. Privet
Privet will also protect your home all throughout the year. It grows rather quickly though, so you’ll need to carefully prune and maintain it frequently. Like Cherry Laurel, Privet flowers in the spring. It’s white flowers are very attractive to bees, so keep that in mind when choosing Privet.
6. Japanese Holly
Another evergreen option is Japanese Holly. At maturity, this plant can reach up to 10 feet tall. Be careful with Japanese Holly, though. While it’s slow to grow, it’s quite invasive.
7. Buckthorn
Buckthorn is a deciduous shrub that may grow between five to seven feet tall at maturity. Since it’s deciduous, buckthorn will look a little sparse in the fall and winter, which may impact its level of privacy.
8. Bamboo
While bamboo may offer an undeniable level of privacy, it’s a plant you may want to steer clear of. Bamboo grows rapidly, and is extremely aggressive. Without proper maintenance, it may take over your yard completely!
9. Dwarf English Laurel
Dwarf English Laurels are perfect for increasing your home’s privacy. These shrubs may grow between four to six feet tall—an ideal height for natural fencing. Plus, their form is tight and dense, adding that extra level of privacy you need.
10. Holly Bush
Just like we talked about before, a holly bush is an excellent way to increase your home’s privacy and protection. The uncomfortable leaves of a holly bush will help keep pests out and children in. Plus, the bright red berries on a holly bush will add an extra pop of color to your yard.
Need Advice? Talk To Killingsworth
If you are looking to increase your home’s privacy with plants, you can trust the lawn care team at Killingsworth to point you in the right direction. We can help landscape your lawn and choose the perfect plants to achieve the natural fencing you want. We want you to feel safe and secure in your yard, which is why we’re ready to lend a helping hand when you need it. Schedule a lawn care service with us today!
