Side where Nigra Arborvitae would go

back fence

I would focus on the deck area if that is the main area where privacy is needed……..even a lattice structure at that end of the deck with a climbing plant that flowers could be pretty and add all the privacy you need…when you plant anything near a fence that may grow over the neighbors yard…they may require you to prune any thing that overlaps the fence…even complaints about leaves falling on their side can happen

well supposedly the NIgra's are tall and narrow? I forgot to mention we are getting a new Trex deck with aluminum rails and a new pool . I did think of adding deck screens but it seems like it would be so high and awkward looking. Also that would not solve any privacy issues while just on the patio

I'd agree with the above comment. It may be different in person but the photo does not convey a strong need for additional privacy screening. And while narrow, the arbs will eat up too much lawn space in a tiny garden and take years before they provide any meaningful screening.

Something to screen at least a portion of the patio/deck will provide immediate results. I like the vine or climber but even just a lattice screen or curtains could work.

I'd also consider removing the large green blob of a shrub at the far end and replace with a smaller tree.....perhaps a dogwood, crabapple or Japanese maple. Just the presence of a tree at that location will give the illusion of more privacy, whether or not actual privacy is a reality. That is often enough :-)

here is the rest of the yard

this is where the NIgra arborvitae would go

I apologize if my post and photos are confusing. We have landscaping on the right side and on the left corner only of the fence already. My questions are 1) are the arborviates on the left side a bad idea and if so what could we put there for some privacy? and 2) what could we add along the back of the fence to connect the landscape on both sides?

Thank you. Adding to the fence is not an option due to Village Codes.

Aha! That last photo explains the privacy issues a little better… the houses around you are high enough above the ground that privacy is a much bigger challenge🤷🏻‍♀️… landscaping will take much longer unless you invest in mature plantings and professional installations…we can’t see what your deck is like but if all your outdoor spaces were at ground level would there be enough privacy?… could your neighbors still see into your yard?

The problem with arborvitae is that deer love to eat them. Have you considered columnar blue spruce? They are also slim.

btydrvn we are getting a new Trex deck and pool so it will be a little different. I think we are trying to create a better view for us rather than looking right into our neighbors yard. I get there is not much that can be done from the deck due to the height. Also it is just kind of a dead ugly space. I will post another pic from another angle.

The back of the fence we arent looking for "privacy" landscape as much as we were just trying to make it look cohesive, but maybe landscaping the entire fence perimeter is too much??

What about losing that lawn area entirely? Just carve out a walking path, and fill the rest with a variety of taller species, and shorter shrubs and perennials. I see that there are mechanicals to the right of one of your pics. The grassy area you’d be losing doesn’t seem to be that special, and again, you could create a stone walking path to get from the grill area out into the main grassy space. Plus, if you go onto the Morton arboretum website, or others similar, they can direct you to planting beautiful natives that will support the bird and pollinator populations which have been decimated.

view from the back door :(

Obviously you have a different layout.

Mrs. Beasley thank you, I did think of that also. Not sure what mechanicals you are referring to? I should also mention we have a dog and 2 Grandogs that are here frequently so that was the hesitation with taking out all of the grass.

We do have something like that on the other side where the gate to the backyard is. We hate that the landscaper put those bushes on each side though because its nearly impossible to keep an open walkway, thats another project lol

Oh rats. It’s the second pic you posted of the BACK fence. Not the area you were mentioning. Yes that’s tough with the dog situation. Are you allowed to erect a pergola? You could have something grow over the top from the corner where the grill is and over that patio area.

Check out this link to pergolas https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/garden-design-inspiration-trellises-and-pergolas

Maybe a pergola?

Your other path is pretty. I can see how the bushes could be an issue though.

How about a few pleached hormbeams?

Thanks! I will look up the pleached hornbeams.

Not really sure a pergola is a solution for what we are looking for but they are nice.