When you come home at the end of the day, you shouldn’t have to coop yourself up in your house to enjoy a private sanctuary. With the right landscaping choices, you can create a Dallas outdoor living space that is sufficiently secluded to offer maximum relaxation and enjoyment of open air amenities. Whether you have a large estate or a quarter acre lot, there are several different options open to you.
Fencing Options For Privacy
If you currently have chain link or lattice style fencing, you don’t necessarily have to tear it down to create a private perimeter. Consider overlaying it with
mesh screening material in a neutral color for a quick fix. Then, you can train climbing vines such as honeysuckle or hydrangea over the entire structure for aesthetic appeal.
For large estates, an 8’ high stone or brick wall makes an elegant statement and provides maximum privacy. However, this can be a disastrous choice for small properties. Such walls would loom over you and cut off the breeze if your space is limited. A double layered wood fence no more than 6’ high is a better option for modest residences. So, take the size of your property into account when you plan the height and thickness of a new fence or wall.
Keep The Noise Out
Do you live near one of the many freeways in Dallas? Outdoor living is often marred by the sound of traffic (especially ambulances) in such locations. Perhaps there are barking dogs or other noisy nuisances in your neighborhood. If that’s the case, soundproofing a fence can be a worthwhile project.
Mass loaded vinyl (MLV) and acoustical caulking will drastically reduce (but not totally eliminate) noise pollution. This type of
soundproofing solution can be unsightly, so you will want to sandwich it between layers of more attractive solid fencing materials. Seal and weatherproof the MLV layer to extend the lifespan of this type of noise-reducing barrier.
Grow Your Own Walls
You can create a beautiful and effective privacy screen by growing hedges of holly shrubs or junipers that will obtain a height of 6 feet or more. Bear in mind that thick or thorny growth can seriously impede a potential intruder but won’t stop someone truly determined. You can combine this vegetation with a fence and lockable gate for added security. If you have a
backyard pool, this is especially important for keeping curious kids out.
Hedges can feature solid ranks of identical plants. Or, you can intersperse them with taller trees and decorative flowering shrubs for a less formal appearance. Building a “living wall” requires good planning, ongoing maintenance, and patience. It may take years for a
hedge row to mature enough to provide the ideal level of privacy for your Dallas outdoor living space. However, the end result is a lush, natural barrier that is much more inviting than any man-made fence.
Are you looking for additional ways to enclose your backyard retreat? Contact us for a
free consultation to explore all your options.