15 Privacy Ideas for Your Nashville Property (That Aren't Arborvitae Rows!)
Privacy is a precious commodity in a world where we’re always connected. Your home is your sanctuary, and your yard is an extension of that. Whether you want to enjoy a quiet dinner on your patio or read a book without being disturbed, there are plenty of ways to create a private oasis in your outdoor space.
In this article, we’ll explore 15 landscaping ideas for privacy that are perfect for creating a privacy screen on your Nashville property.
Install a Fence for Privacy: A fence is a traditional way to create privacy in your outdoor space. Although installing a fence isn’t the cheapest privacy screening option, there are many different types of fences to choose from, including wood, vinyl, and metal. Fences can be used to create a private perimeter around your yard or to section off specific areas.
Create a Living Green Screen with Trees and Shrubs: A living green privacy screen is created by planting trees and shrubs close together to create a natural barrier. This not only provides privacy but also adds beauty and texture to your yard. While we aren’t personal fans of overused arborvitae rows, evergreen trees can be used as a great quick-growing back border for your privacy screen. Then, break up the monotony by adding another layer of low-maintenance ornamental grasses or shorter evergreen shrubs in front of the evergreen tree row for lush depth.
A living green privacy screen made up of tiered evergreens to add varying height and color interest.
3. Add a Pergola, Trellis, or Arbor with Vines: A pergola or trellis can be used to create a private outdoor room. Adding vines to your structure can create a living wall that provides shade and privacy. Great vine options for Nashville’s zone 7a include:
Kentucky Wisteria
Carolina Jasmine
Boston Ivy
Trumpet Vine
Climbing Hydrangea
Dutchman’s Pipe
Hardy Passionflower
Clematis
Honeysuckle Vine
Build your own vine support to customize your space or buy pre-made arbors and trellis online!
4. Use Container Gardens for Portable Privacy: Container gardens are a great way to add privacy to a specific area of your yard. You can use pots to create a barrier around your patio or to block an unsightly view.
Mobile containers allow you to move planters exactly where you want privacy or increased shade.
5. Install Privacy Window Film or Shades: Privacy window film or shades are a great way to create privacy without blocking natural light. This is a perfect solution for homes with large windows or sliding glass doors.
6. Plant a Hedgerow for Privacy and Beauty: A hedgerow is a row of shrubs or trees planted close together to create a natural barrier. This is a great classic way to add privacy and beauty to your outdoor space. Hedge rows are best made up of Holly, Laurel, and Boxwood shrub varieties. Check the specific mature growth size and rate of a species before you purchase!
A formal boxwood hedge provides height, privacy, and year-round green.
7. Incorporate a Water Feature for Added Privacy: A water feature can create a peaceful oasis in your yard while also providing privacy. The sound of running water can help drown out the noise from neighbors or nearby streets. Water features are especially effective when they are installed in spaces between you and the noise source. For instance, installing a water feature in between your porch and a streetway!
The fountain in this garden space helps to drown out surrounding noise.
8. Design with Raised Garden Beds or Containers: Raised garden beds and containers can be used to create a private garden oasis. This is a great option for backyards or for people who want to grow vegetables or flowers but don't have the space for a traditional garden. Raised retainer wall beds further help to protect plantings from dog and child traffic, while also helping to add increased height to your garden.
Retainer wall beds add both height and increased privacy to any space!
9. Use Ornamental Grasses for Natural Screening: Ornamental grasses can be used to create a natural screen. They come in many different colors and textures and can add beauty and privacy to your yard. Many varieties can even grow as tall trees! Our favorite ornamental grasses for privacy screening are Pampas Grass and Karl Foerster Grass.
10. Add Bamboo for Quick and Dense Privacy: Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that can create a dense privacy screen in a short amount of time. It's important to choose a clumping variety to avoid it becoming invasive. You can also choose to plant and contain your bamboo in extra-large containers to control spread.
11. Use Outdoor Curtains for Privacy on a Patio or Deck: Outdoor curtains are a great way to create privacy on a patio or deck. They can be hung from a pergola or trellis and come in many different colors and patterns. They can also be hung using a traditional curtain rod or tightening wire.
12. Create a Living Wall or Green Roof for Privacy and Sustainability: A living wall or green roof can be used to create privacy while also providing environmental benefits. These features can help absorb rainwater and provide insulation for your home.
Ornamental grasses installed within raised planters help to increase privacy on this Nashville rooftop.
13. Incorporate Privacy Screens or Panels: Privacy screens or panels can be used to section off specific areas of your yard. They come in many different materials and designs and can add style and privacy to your outdoor space. A great place to find beautiful exterior panels is estate sales!
14. Install a Sliding Barn Door or Gate for Privacy and Style: A sliding barn door or gate can add both privacy and style to your outdoor space. These doors or gates can be customized to fit the style of your home and landscape design. They can also be a great solution for creating privacy in areas where a traditional fence may not be possible due to space constraints or HOA regulations. You can choose from a variety of materials including wood, metal, or even a combination of both. The door or gate can slide open or closed, allowing for flexibility in your outdoor living space.
15. Use Art or Sculptures to Create Visual Privacy: Incorporating art or sculptures into your landscape design can not only add visual interest but also create privacy. By strategically placing a piece of art or sculpture, you can block unwanted views while still enjoying the beauty of your outdoor space. Consider using a large sculpture as a focal point or using smaller pieces throughout your garden to create a sense of intimacy. You can choose from a variety of materials including metal, stone, or even glass. The key is to choose pieces that fit with your overall design aesthetic and create a cohesive look. Antique malls are an especially fantastic place to source amazing garden art in Nashville!