Need side yard privacy ideas

12 years ago

My side yard is small and the fence is low and picketed bc I'm on a bend/corner and legally I can't do anymore to the fence. I also want to avoid making the yard much smaller for my daughter to play in. I considered arborvitae but will cut 3-4' into the yard (I can only plant them on the insjde of the fence bc the fence is butt up against the sidewalk already. Looking for ideas. I'm against fake ivy along the fence. I was thinking maybe some rectangular planters with tall evergreens. I want something that will last year round as I live on Long Island. Any help is appreciated.

Featured Answer

Brooke

12 years ago

I would also check your city's bylaws on visibility triangles.

In my city from the corner of the lip of gutter in both directions you can measure 7.5m and then connect them together. The portion that crosses on your property needs to be free of objects that will hamper visibility. Anything beyond that can be taller. You may only need a small portion left short and you can then do whatever you want with the rest of the fence/planting.

If you can't find the info in your city's website just call the planning department and ask about visibility triangles

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Comments (11)

PRO
LineBox Studio
12 years ago
We have done fences with privacy at the bottom and gradual openings on top for views / sun. Check out our projects (engravings)
loulax07
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks. Unfortunately we need to maintain some sort of way for people to see through (somewhat) when coming around the bend. I guess I'm looking for partial privacy or alternating if that makes any sense. To give you an idea, we asked the town and they said even if we get shrubs, they need to be staggered so that people can still see as they are driving around.
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dunzer
12 years ago
What about tall ornamental grasses.
loulax07
Original Author
12 years ago
Only problem with tall grasses is that they don't last in winter
Lisa Lucas
12 years ago
Annabelle hydrangeas planted next to the fence line and then keep trimmed back. Safe for kids and will only get prettier as the kids grow.
loulax07
Original Author
12 years ago
Good idea Lisa. Only problem with that is I think it'd take up too much space. Do they stay flowered most of the year?
loulax07
Original Author
12 years ago
Re: grasses. Something like this may work and could be a valid option but of course won't last the winter.

http://st.houzz.com/fimgs/d871d63f0c9cd8b5_0243-w660-h439-b0-p0--contemporary-landscape.jpg
loulax07
Original Author
12 years ago
Here's the pic
loulax07
Original Author
12 years ago
Brooke, I already met with the town on what I can and can't do. Unfortunately natural privacy is all I can do and even that's limited. So, I like the grasses idea thus far. Looking for other ideas.
Lisa Lucas
12 years ago
The hydrangeas I suggested do not stay flowered except in summertime and you could keep them cut back every year to make a nice soft border. A beautiful border of white mopheads would be great to look at and no one gets hurt if fallen into by little ones. Grasses seem too modern for the type of fence and classic traditional neighborhood pictured.