A row of arborvitae? How very unimaginative. It's a nothing burger.

You don't want foliage down at the bottom, you wnat the screening at the top of the fence. See these trees planted below.

I'd add an arbor to the top of the white fence and having flowering vines covering the arbor.

You can use hydrangea vines, bleeding heart vines. clematis vines etc.

If you want to remain unimaginative, Costco always does a one-time stock up with good sized arborvitae soon for about $35/ea. They go fast You can do a section to hide the house with other things on the remainder.

Thank you for your input—I truly appreciate your time and suggestions. The idea of adding an arbor with flowering vines sounds lovely, and I can see how it would enhance the space. Unfortunately, because I live in an incorporated village in Long Island, NY we’re not allowed to have structures like that above five feet, and since flowers only last about four to five months here, I’m really hoping to find a solution that offers privacy year-round.

On another note, I wanted to mention that I found the comment about being “unimaginative” a bit hurtful. I came here looking for guidance and inspiration, and while I welcome constructive feedback, I’d appreciate it being shared in a more encouraging way.

Thank you again for your time and suggestions.

Can’t tell how deep the yard is but what about 2 small trees? Even out of leaf they’d provide a visual break. A planting bed along the fence could include the trees so no need to mow under them. Fill the bed with flowering & evergreen shrubs to create a pretty view from patio to give the eye something to look at besides the next door house.

I'm guessing the fence is max 5 ft tall, so there are several evergreen viburnums that would get tall enough to give you privacy; you could research them. Combine them with a couple of small trees and you'd likely have everything you need along with spring flowers, and fall color depending on what you choose for trees.

If you just want the privacy for the patio, then plant near the patio rather than the fence.

Sorry, but a row of arbor vitae IS about as unimaginative as one could get. If you're willing to spend a few hundred $$, I'd go to a local landscape shop (NOT a big box store) and have one of their landscape designers or architects create a plan for you. You can implement all at once or over time, as your budge allows.

Lantern Visual - Thank you so much for your thougtful response and suggestions. I love the idea of combining the two elements, the trees along the fence and the gazebo. That said, I'm currently working with a limited budget, so I'm not sure that doing both would be doable right now. I am also a bit concerned that, since the yard is on the smaller side, the gazebo might take up too much space or feel overwhelming. I've been considering the idea of placing trees, plants and maybe 2 or 3 free standing trellises around the patio area to create more priviate and cozy free in that specific space. I'd still love to take you up on the free visual trial if that's possible. Please let me know what you need from me to get started. Thank you again!

Why not add a lattice type topper to the fence top it does not look like the windows from the neighbor are places where they look out all day. A nice big umbrella and relax You could plant some nice every green vine to eventually cover the lattice. Sorry I really do not think most neighbors are really interested in watching you as much as you think they are .

Five-foot restriction on structures suggests adding a raised bed along the fence. In which you can plant those arborvitaes for a much quicker privacy screen development. Costing of different options is necessary. I imagine something cascading down the front of the 8x8s used for the bed structure.

Arborvitae use water. You may need to supply some for other plantings.

You should try using Taylor Junipers (native of Taylor, Ne) + you could add some other plants/shrubs in front/around those to make it look nice.

They can provide a great privacy "wall" pretty quickly (the more privacy you desire, the closer you should plant them together - obviously, you want to follow the guidelines for what their circumference will be when fully grown).

We had six 6' Taylor Junipers added along one side of our privacy fence three years ago. They are now about 12' tall - they grow pretty fast! They do love sun - they are simple to maintain (don't have to shape them) + they are drought resistant. They stay mostly green in the winter - with just a little brown (I was worried the first winter that they were dying - but it's normal).

We only needed six because we didn't need full privacy + have a few large river birch trees in each of the back corners of the yard - and the junipers were added to fill out the middle section along the back fence (we have green space behind us that is owned/maintained by the city - there were two large trees that were there but the city removed them 5 -6 years ago and replaced one of them with a new tree - it's nice - but it doesn't cover the area the old trees did 😞

People in Texas used to plant Italian Cypress trees a lot. However, something happened a few years ago where the trees started having issues. They started switching them out to Taylor Junipers which created a great demand for them down in Texas.

The only "issue" we've had is when there is a wet/heavy snow (not very often here) - I have gone outside to brush/shake the snow off them with a broom. I don't know if that was necessary - but it seemed like a good idea.

I'm sorry that you were upset due to the first comment you received. Most people are very helpful on here - some are more blunt (while being helpful - like Beverly was above - she may have just been short on time +wanted to make a point about not using arborvitaes - they don't receive much "love" here on Houzz). There are some people who are simply rude - but not many. Some pros are more blunt - I really do think it's because they have limited time to devote to providing free design advice OR really want to make a point.

Taylor Junipers have been in higher demand the past several years - our 6' ones were more than I expected. However, we also had our landscaper source + plant them = always a bit pricey - but he has done a great job redoing the hard and soft landscaping in the front and back yards (he removed and rebuilt three retaining beds out front + took down our deck and added a large new patio - part of it is covered and also added a nice fire pit area + wall for sitting)

You can do a mix of cultivars and add a deciduous tree or two. They won't be as dense in the winter time, but will provide some screening. I find tall hedges of arborvitaes to bit oppressive. You could space your arbs to be in front of your neighbor's windows and put flowering trees between them. A few well-place tall arbs would get you some relatively quick, but incomplete privacy and the flowering trees would fill in over time. That might be more budget-friendly than a row of tall arbs all at once.

Or you could put a tall grass like Big Bluestem between your Arbs. It will grow to 8 feet.

I bought a 13x13 pop up canopy for my patio and tied down with the red tie downs from Lowes. Does it last, no. Is it quick and cheap, yes.

We planted arborvite with lilac. Alternating. We love it. The lilac covers the spaces all summer. Lots of coverage and pretty spring flowers. I missed if you said your planting area. We are in the Northeast.

I just wanted to say a big heatfelt "thank you" to everyone who took the time to comment, share ideas and send photos. You kindess and creativity truly means a lot to me. I am so grateful for all the wonderful suggestions. I really love the idea of planting a few tall trees for privacy and adding some beautiful perennials.

Cariol1, you'll notice that Lantern Visual's post has been removed. They are a repeat spammer on these forums relying on AI generated content which is frequently factually wrong or irrelevant. Please be warned.

Oh wow, thank you for lettine me know

Green Giants seems to be popular in my area, Zone 7.

I would just drive around your neighborhood and take photos for inspiration.

Arborvitae are used a lot, so you are certainly not wrong there.

I also like the idea of incorporating a screen or a trellis structure around your patio.

Thanks so much for your help! I’m also in Zone 7.

I’ll definitely take a drive around and snap some pics. I’ve noticed a lot of Arborvitae too, so it’s good to hear I’m on the right track. I really love the idea of incorporating a screen or trellis near the patio. Would it be okay if I asked you to send a few pictures of trellises or screens, if you happen to have any? No pressure at all, I just thought I’d ask in case you’ve come across something inspiring!

When it comes to landscaping and getting privacy, I'm the type that will pay extra for larger specimens so that I get my privacy and screening much more quickly! Sometimes you just don't want to wait 5 years for something to grow tall enough to block the neighbors.

I was going to suggest lilacs.

What direction does the back yard face? If it's west, that I would definitely plant a few trees to give you much-needed afternoon shade.

Full disclosure - I would plant s bunch of trees regardless! We planted so many trees at our last house that about half the back yard became a giant shade garden.

For privacy for your patio seating area, moveable screens that are adjacent do not have to be tall.

Portable Privacy Fence Screen for Porch Deck Patio Terrace · More Info

This is one of my favorite plants for privacy.

Manhattan Euonymus

Euonymus kiautschovicus 'Manhattan'

Pronunciation: yoo-ON-ih-mus ki-atch-OV-ih-kuh

An excellent choice for a fast growing evergreen clipped hedge, informal screen or espalier

This handsome shrub has dense, lush, dark green foliage and a naturally neat, formal appearance, without pruning. Inconspicuous mid- to late summer flower clusters produce small but attractive, pink ornamental fruit in the fall

Full sun, water when top 3 inches of soil is dry.

Quickly reaches 6 to 8 ft. tall, 5 ft. wide, in natural form.

I took this description of the Monrovia site. I think I may have at least 15 plants which I am using as a hedge between houses. If you trim it like a hedge, it becomes a hedge.

I have also used it as a climber on two support posts under the second floor deck.

We planted a 45 gal Eagleston holly tree in spring of 2021 for privacy after a second story garage addition was added to the home behind us. Our next door neighbor planted smaller specimens as well. (We, too, had deed restrictions that preclude adding any significant height to our fence, as well as a utility easement running along it that would interfere with posts for a gazebo or pergola).They have grown fairly quickly and have proven hearty; 4 years later they screen the addition effectively. I inquired at the tree farm recently about buying another and was told they are now among the best-selling trees in Houston because they have fared so well in the weather extremes we've had in the last few years. The online site I viewed said they grow in zones 6-9.

Trees along the fence will take years to grow/fill out and since the patio is so far away, they will have to get really tall to make a difference and never mind what it will cost. Your best bet is to visit a nursery to help with decisions that meet your needs.

I’d start with adding privacy on the patio so you can enjoy this summer (when budget permits, consider what may be needed/or not along fence). There are lots of options even with the 5ft height restriction. Place strategically for privacy/functionality, so you don’t have to place on the entire length and be sure to soften with plants.

A gazebo will be more limiting privacy/space wise. Compare costs of partitions vs a gazebo to help you decide.

We had an issue with leaf drop and later spots on our Eagleston holly in the first summer and fall after planting. Most likely water related while it was being established. Houston had a brutally hot and dry summer and I probably overwatered it in response. The tree farm recommended a spray for the spots (sorry, don’t remember the product) and it resolved. No problems since then. We’ve been letting it grow unpruned to achieve height and width, but will need to shape it this year.

Pergola Depot sells a brim pergola kit you might be interested in for placement near the patio. I can’t get the picture to attach here. With some lattice attached to the top third, it would provide a visual screen without too much encroachment on the ground level. If you’re handy you might be able to DIY. Wayfair has a similar vinyl option.

Depending on where you are there are several plants that grow tall, but are thought of a scrubs. Rose of Sharon. (Ours are above our second floor window in Raleigh), Old variety of Lilac. If you are far enough south Camellias, Loropetalum.

Then you have the flowering trees, Crab-apple, many varieties of Cherries, plums, etc.

While most loose their leaves in the winter they would provide a visual stop to take your eye from the house, flowers in the spring and leaves in the summer.