When looking at homes for sale, how much is privacy worth to you?
If you place a premium on not feeling like you live in a fishbowl, but can only afford to purchase a home in developments where the builder obviously tried to cram as many homes onto the parcel as possible, we may just have a solution for you.
Landscaping!
Or, to be more precise, creative landscaping that assures privacy.
How much privacy do you want?
Before you can come up with a landscaping plan you’ll need to determine just how much solitude you want and need.
The plan will be significantly more complicated and expensive if all four sides of the home need to be screened than if you only require something to block out the nosy neighbours behind the home.
Do you want the home completely shielded from view or is a lighter touch sufficient? Dense privet hedges will screen out most views while a combination of tall perennials and trees or widely spaced trees will ensure privacy but with a softer silhouette.
Make the plan
Take measurements of the space you need to fill.
Knowing the size of the space will help you choose the appropriate plants.
Measure not only the length of the area but the approximate height required for your barrier.
Choose the right plants
Lilly Pilly Backyard Bliss (3 – 5m) are popular and will do the trick for those who need something tall, according to horticulturist, Steve Neale at Garden Grove SA.
If something more shrub-like will suffice, consider two other species – Photinia robusta or Murraya paniculata. The former grows to 3 – metres in height while the latter may reach 2 – metres. Both can be pruned to the height you desire.
Ensure that the tree, shrub or hedge that you purchase is evergreen or you’ll lose your privacy in the winter.
If you prefer deciduous plants, the experts at Garden Grove Supplies suggest you choose those with lots of stems and branches to help provide a screen even after the plant loses its foliage. Pyrus ussuriensis or Capital Pear are 2 suggestions.
The eventual height and width of each plant is important, but so is its hardiness. Assure that what you choose is adapted to our area. Native plants are the ideal choice.
Landscaping narrow areas
Few homeowners feel comfortable being greeted by their neighbour’s face as they make their morning coffee. If the area between your house and the neighbours is narrow, fill it with quick-growing, columnar trees.
Although Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens glauca) remains slender, it will grow quickly to be quite tall. Plant several 1 metre apart, for a dense screen, or consider climbers with lattice, painted an attractive colour, on which to climb Hardenbergia violacea or Trachelospernum jasminoides – the Chinese Star Jasmine.
Privacy for front and backyards
Oftentimes the front yard is less of a problem if you live in a quieter street.
However, it’s the front and backyards that sometimes require blocking from prying eyes if you are in a busier area. And, since these spaces are larger than side yards, landscaping can be pricey.
Consider using a mix of trees and shrubs with a few perennials thrown in for interest.
Also be mindful that too much coverage could also be a security concern giving ne’er-do-wells a place to hide. It’s a balance between privacy and security.
Blocking the bird’s eye view
Providing the privacy you crave is a bit trickier when the neighbour’s home looks down on yours.
Consider planting trees with wide canopies, such as Cupanopsis anacardioides – Tuckeroo, Hibiscus talipariti – Red Cotton Wood or Fraxinus griffithii – Evergreen Ash.
For year-round privacy, use latticework or an arbour and soften the lines with a vine.
For more Gardening Tips, Ideas or products visit our friends at www.gardengrove.com.au conveniently located at 1150 Golden Grove Road, Golden Grove SA 5125
Keeping it legal
If the home you’re considering buying, or the one in which you’re currently living is governed by a Strata or Community Corporation, you’ll need to ensure that the privacy landscaping you want abides by the rules. You’ll typically find landscaping rules in the Corporation documents.
To find out more, you’re welcome to call 08 83961100 to arrange a chat with people that care.
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Like most things in life, these are recommendations only, they may or may not suit your own circumstances.
Regards Eriks & Team Plaza Real Estate
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