Natural Privacy Fences

It seems like we are living on smaller and smaller plots of land and sometimes our neighbors are a little to close for comfort. If putting up a privacy fence is restricted by zoning or budgets, planting natural privacy fences is a good option.

When selecting shrubs or bushes for your natural privacy fence you will want to decide how much privacy you need, when you need it, and how much care you will need to give the plants to keep them thriving. Other factors to consider is what type of plant or bush does best in your area, sun requirements and soil conditions.

If you want a dense natural privacy fence, select an evergreen plant. They are hardy, don't shed their leaves in the fall and reach a height of approximately 12 to 14 feet with a 3 foot wide spread. These plants do not tolerate drought, so you will need to provide irrigation. Typically evergreens can be pruned to stay within a confined shape or area. These plants do best in full or partial sun, avoid planting in full shade.

The privet, another popular hedge plant, comes in semi-evergreen and evergreen varieties. It is very fast growing, easy to establish and tolerates a wide range of soils. These plants prefer partial shade to full sun and need to be well watered to thrive. Privet can be pruned and shaped and create a very quick natural privacy fence.

Canadian Hemlocks create a dense, lush screen. These evergreen plants can reach heights of 40 feet and should be spaced 3 to 5 feet apart for a formal hedge. The needles of the plants are soft and will need to be pruned to keep the plants looking neat and tidy. These plants do best in full sun.

Rose of Sharon makes a beautiful natural privacy fence. You can either prune the plant to produce a low hedge or allow it to grow without pruning for a more shrubby appearance. These plants grow 8 to 10 feet tall with a spread of approximately 4 to 6 feet. Rose of Sharon will drop all its leaves in the fall. The blooms on this plant are white, red, lavender or blue and will attract bees, so people with bee allergies may want to avoid this plant.

Talk to your local nursery and find out was plant would do best in your area before you plant your natural privacy fences.