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.

Raise Up Your Plants

Give your favorite plants better view-blocking power by growing them inraised bedsor berms.

outdoor furniture sitting area of deck tree privacy

Credit: Keller and Keller Photography Inc

Plus, it puts medium-sized plants at eye level.Grow extra-tall perennialsto create a living privacy screen quickly.

A simple way to do this is to deliberately place a couple of trees to form a pocket.

Here, for example, twopine treesmake a hammock feel tucked away.

woman in yard with tall flowering plants

Credit: Janet Mesic-Mackie

Aredbud treejust behind the hammock enhances the effect.

Add a Lattice Fence

Do you feel a little claustrophobic at the thought of fencing your yard?

Tryadding a lattice fence.

Hammock above stone path

Credit: Andreas Trauttmansdor

It’s an ideal way to achieve privacy and enclosure without closing off your yard too much.

Simple lattice panels are perfect for showcasingclimbing rosesor yourfavorite vines.

That way, you might feel like you’re getting away from it all without actually going anywhere.

Lattice fence with pink flowers

Credit: Kritsada Panichgul

Use a Hedge

Enjoy a wall of green byplanting a hedge.

For example,build a fencefrom out-of-the-ordinary materials ordecorate a wall with architectural detailing.

The plexiglass used here stops the neighbors from peering in but allows light to pass through.

backyard with lattice fence and flowering plants

Credit: Kritsada Panichgul

It also shows off textures on the other side.

Mix It Up

No rule says you have to stick with one strategy for creating privacy.

So keep your landscape exciting by incorporatingseveral types of screens.

plexiglass fence

Credit: Janet Loughrey

For example, this patio uses an attractive fence and a low hedge.

A large tree casts shade and blocks the view of the patio from above.

Plus, you’ve got the option to find containers and plants to fit any landscape style.

patio border hedge and fence

Credit: Peter Krumhardt

Here, large metal containers hold majestic palms for a modern look.

Hide Behind Structures

Let structures on your property create privacy for you.

For example, tuck anoutdoor living spacebeside your garage so the walls block neighbors' views.

window frame trellis covered in vines

Credit: Peter Krumhardt

Or site a patio ordeck where it’s shielded from viewby your home.

For year-round greenery, consideradding evergreen trees to your yard.

Decorate a Fence

Let’s be honest: Fences can look s little ho-hum.

enclosed checkered patio

Credit: Jon Jensen

Luckily,they’re easy to dress upwith the right plants in front of them.

Here, a border of easy-care annuals, perennials, and shrubs soften a fence’s appearance.

A helpful private landscaping idea is to grow them throughout the yard so you screen your space more effectively.

backyard patio enclosed by plants

Credit: Kelly Bugden

Instead, put a panel or two just where you need it.

It’s a great way to save money andadd to your home’s curb appeal.

Or look for plants, such as quakingaspenand manytypes of ornamental grasses, that rustle softly in the breeze.

Golden Locust tree by wood fence

Credit: Richard Felber

double door gate fence landscaping surrounding path

Credit: Jack Coyier

backyard nook created by trees and shrubs

Credit: Bob Stefko

two-panel white fence on piled stone border

Credit: Rob Cardillo

asian-style serenity garden water feature fountain

Credit: Andreas Trauttmansdorff