In many of our subdivisions across the country and Arizona our houses are often near our neighbors. While neighbors are great, our homes are a retreat from the pressures of our daily lives. As such, we value our privacy both inside and outside. An outdoor space where we can retreat with family and friends or just by ourselves is valuable for maintaining a healthy mind. Our outdoor spaces can provide a mini recharge to our mental and physical batteries.
There are several ways to achieve outdoor privacy, such as fences, patio covers, and such. This week, we wanted to look at how planting can help us achieve privacy and create a more natural setting.
To best accomplish this, we turned to our Rosie Certified Partners at Think Green Design Build Landscape. Speaking with Vice President Jon Riep, we learned much about what we need to consider in getting the natural privacy solution.
Planning
Where do you start? Jon says to determine what area you want screened and how fully you want to screen. Places to consider include:
- Small Patio or spa area.
- A whole yard area.
- A three-foot-tall screening of your front porch to provide a private sitting area.
- A side of your home to screen low windows.
Determine what you want to be screened from:
- A single-story house next door.
- A two-story house overlooking your home.
- People or cars passing by.
These are important factors in determining what planting solutions you may want to employ.
The next step is to establish the orientation of the area you want screened. The sun exposure plays a significant role in plant selection.
- North-side planting will generally shade an area.
- The south side allows full sun exposure and will create the need for a different planting list.
- East or west orientation with partial sun exposure further defines the type of microclimate you will be planting in.
Arizona is diverse in many ways, geography and climate topping the list. You need to be sure you select plants that work in your specific biome.
Jon points out that the list of plants could be extensive. Knowing what you want to achieve helps you select the best solution.
To further refine your goals, consider the density of the planting screen you want to have. Consider the options:
- Complete visual privacy.
- Wind break.
- Partial screen which still allows some sunlight through.
Plant Types
Once your goals have been established, you can start thinking about the plant choices.
Trees. Consider a tree as a screen from a downward view of your space. The height of the adjacent house windows or balconies will give you some notion as to how high of a tree species you would want to select. The tree’s canopy girth will give you some clue as to how far apart you want to space them.
Another consideration when looking at adding trees to your landscape is whether you have grass in your yard. The shade from the trees will block a lot of sun and potentially hinder and or kill the grass.
How fast you want the screen in place also contributes to species selection. Some will grow several feet each year, and there are those that will only grow several inches a year. If you are looking for year-round privacy, you will want an evergreen or coniferous tree rather than one that loses its leaves in winter, a deciduous tree.
Choose wisely.
Shrubs. For instance, if your screening goals are lower, you need to block a single-story house next door; a shrub rather than a tree might be a better choice. Shrubs are generally as big around as they are tall. Many can grow to six or more feet tall, which may be sufficient for your screening goals. Shrubs may also have a dense configuration, such as a hedge. This can provide as much privacy as a solid fence.
Because shrubs typically have a maintenance component, you must also plan for trimming. At some point, the shrub will need to be pruned or trimmed to keep it from overtaking your yard or even the space you are trying to screen. Sculpting a shrub by trimming it also gives you the opportunity to introduce new design features to your landscaping.
Selecting the Plants
Once you have established the goals you want to achieve, it’s time to go shopping. The final selection of the plant species takes a lot of homework, according to Jon. Here are a few tips to ponder as you choose:
- Do your homework. You can shop from your computer or use the internet or your local library to look for plant solutions that work for your location.*(See Below for resources)
- Make a list of the types of plants you are considering.
- Look to your local planning departments and municipal water departments. Often, they establish low-water use plant options for your specific locations. Also, check the types of plants allowed in your jurisdiction. This same advice goes for your homeowner’s association as well. Most homeowners’ associations have recommended or prohibited planting requirements, which are helpful to know during planning.
- Consult with a local nursery or a Rosie on the House Certified Partner to see what works best in your neck of AZ. What works in Flagstaff won’t work in Camp Verde or Green Valley.
We would love for you to share your privacy-planting solutions. Send a pic to info@rosieonthehouse.com.
*Resource Links:
- The Arizona Municipal Water Users Association offers a fantastic resource like Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert, along with expert guidance on watering strategies and conservation. You can also explore more great landscaping tips through Arizona’s Water – Use It Wisely water conservation outreach program!
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Homeowner Handbook | #PrivacyPlants
PODCAST
February 15th, 2025
Our Weekly To Do on privacy plants. Planting trees, shrubs and bushes around your home. The pros and cons on sewer pipe and water supply line insurance you should know. Cleaning solar panels and bird blocking before they roost under them. Water testing, anode rods, termites and more!
Original Broadcast Archive Page With Expanded Content
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