There are plenty of good reasons for landscaping between
neighbors. Your neighbor’s property may have become an eyesore, or you’re
simply just looking for a little more privacy. Sometimes, it’s important to
clearly define the borders of your property. Regardless of the reason, there
are ways to create an attractive landscape boundary without creating problems
with your neighbors. Read on for a few ideas for good neighbor landscaping.
Creating an Attractive Landscape Boundary
Fencing: A solid fence
can block an unsightly view and offer complete privacy. A more open fence, like
chain link, clearly defines the borders of your yard but allows you to see out.
The downside is that a good fence will be expensive. Before you invest any
money, be sure the fence is legal in your area, and that you have any required
building permits.
Trees and shrubs: These can serve many purposes when
it comes to creating neighborly borders. Evergreens like arborvitae,
mugo
pine, or blue
spruce can block a view and they also remain green and attractive
year-round. Deciduous
trees are good if you have a large property, but they may overwhelm a small
area.
Dense plantings of thorny shrubs, like holly,
will discourage most trespassers from entering your yard. Plants such as privet
or boxwood
make lovely living fences, but require regular maintenance, especially if you
want a neatly trimmed hedge with a more formal appearance. Consider blooming
shrubs like rhododendron
or azalea
for an attractive, blooming landscape boundary.
Vines: Vines can be an attractive form of good
neighborly landscaping. They can “pretty up” an unsightly fence or offer more
privacy when allowed to crawl
over chain link or wire. Vines such as wintercreeper
or Carolina
jessamine are pretty year-round. Keep in mind, though, vines can become a
tangled mess if they aren’t maintained. Also, vines such as Japanese
honeysuckle, are extremely aggressive. English
ivy is well-behaved in some areas but is an invasive nuisance in others,
like the Pacific Northwest.
Trellises and Latticework: Train the vines to grow
over a trellis, latticework, or other structure for a feeling of privacy that
doesn’t completely block the view.
Other plant type border ideas: Ornamental
grasses are low-maintenance plants that provide color and texture all year.
Some types of ornamental grass, like plume
ravenna grass, for example, can reach heights of up to 12 feet (3-4 m.).
Other smaller grasses are great for creating lawn borders that look good.
Bamboo
is a towering, fast-growing plant that creates a natural fence with an exotic,
tropical appearance. Choose the variety carefully and be sure to select a
non-invasive cultivar.
Tips on Creating Neighborly Borders
Be sure your attractive landscape boundary is completely
within limits of your property and doesn’t intrude on your neighbor’s lawn.
Remember that shrubs and trees expand in time and should be planted safely back
from the property line.
Trees and shrubs may drop leaves onto the lawn, prevent
grass from growing, or create shade where your neighbor may need sunlight (like
a vegetable garden). Be sure to keep these things in mind as well when you do
your landscape planning.
There are plenty of good reasons for landscaping between
neighbors. Your neighbor’s property may have become an eyesore, or you’re
simply just looking for a little more privacy. Sometimes, it’s important to
clearly define the borders of your property. Regardless of the reason, there
are ways to create an attractive landscape boundary without creating problems
with your neighbors. Read on for a few ideas for good neighbor landscaping.
Creating an Attractive Landscape Boundary
Fencing: A solid fence
can block an unsightly view and offer complete privacy. A more open fence, like
chain link, clearly defines the borders of your yard but allows you to see out.
The downside is that a good fence will be expensive. Before you invest any
money, be sure the fence is legal in your area, and that you have any required
building permits.
Trees and shrubs: These can serve many purposes when
it comes to creating neighborly borders. Evergreens like arborvitae,
mugo
pine, or blue
spruce can block a view and they also remain green and attractive
year-round. Deciduous
trees are good if you have a large property, but they may overwhelm a small
area.
Dense plantings of thorny shrubs, like holly,
will discourage most trespassers from entering your yard. Plants such as privet
or boxwood
make lovely living fences, but require regular maintenance, especially if you
want a neatly trimmed hedge with a more formal appearance. Consider blooming
shrubs like rhododendron
or azalea
for an attractive, blooming landscape boundary.
Vines: Vines can be an attractive form of good
neighborly landscaping. They can “pretty up” an unsightly fence or offer more
privacy when allowed to crawl
over chain link or wire. Vines such as wintercreeper
or Carolina
jessamine are pretty year-round. Keep in mind, though, vines can become a
tangled mess if they aren’t maintained. Also, vines such as Japanese
honeysuckle, are extremely aggressive. English
ivy is well-behaved in some areas but is an invasive nuisance in others,
like the Pacific Northwest.
Trellises and Latticework: Train the vines to grow
over a trellis, latticework, or other structure for a feeling of privacy that
doesn’t completely block the view.
Other plant type border ideas: Ornamental
grasses are low-maintenance plants that provide color and texture all year.
Some types of ornamental grass, like plume
ravenna grass, for example, can reach heights of up to 12 feet (3-4 m.).
Other smaller grasses are great for creating lawn borders that look good.
Bamboo
is a towering, fast-growing plant that creates a natural fence with an exotic,
tropical appearance. Choose the variety carefully and be sure to select a
non-invasive cultivar.
Tips on Creating Neighborly Borders
Be sure your attractive landscape boundary is completely
within limits of your property and doesn’t intrude on your neighbor’s lawn.
Remember that shrubs and trees expand in time and should be planted safely back
from the property line.
Trees and shrubs may drop leaves onto the lawn, prevent
grass from growing, or create shade where your neighbor may need sunlight (like
a vegetable garden). Be sure to keep these things in mind as well when you do
your landscape planning.