Living close to your neighbors is a reality for many Cleveland area homeowners. While good fences make good neighbors, thoughtfully designed landscaping can turn your yard into a private outdoor space that’s both functional and beautiful.
Landscaping for privacy offers a natural alternative to rigid fencing. It enhances your property’s aesthetic appeal while giving you the private space you want.
This guide will walk you through how to use landscaping techniques to create privacy in your outdoor spaces, with special attention to the unique climate and conditions of Northeast Ohio.
Whether you have a small yard in Lakewood or a sprawling property in Hunting Valley, these plant-based privacy solutions can be tailored to your specific needs.
What is Privacy Landscaping?
Privacy landscaping strategically uses trees, shrubs, and other plants to create natural barriers that block unwanted views, reduce noise, and define outdoor living spaces.
Unlike traditional fencing, plant-based privacy screens offer a softer, more natural option that improves with time.
They are also environmentally friendly and add seasonal interest through changing leaves, flowers, and berries.
Privacy landscaping is particularly valuable in suburban settings, where homes may be built close to one another, but homeowners want outdoor living spaces for relaxation and entertainment.
Step-by-Step to Landscaping for Privacy
There are multiple steps involved in successfully planning and creating a landscape that delivers the privacy you want. Professionals like Lifestyle Landscaping have decades of experience and can work with you to create a landscape that fits your needs.
Step 1: Assess Your Privacy Needs
Before choosing your plants, take time to figure out exactly what you need:
- Identify problem areas
Walk your property and note where you feel exposed. Is it the view from the street-facing patio? A side yard where neighbors frequently pass by? - Determine the height needed
Privacy screens generally need to be at least 6-8 feet tall to block sightlines effectively, but your yard may require taller or shorter solutions. - Consider seasonal needs
Do you need year-round privacy for a hot tub or outdoor shower, or just summer screening for a dining area? - Evaluate existing conditions
Note sun exposure, soil type, and moisture levels in the areas where you plan to plant. Cleveland’s clay-heavy soils and variable weather patterns will influence your plant choices.
Step 2: Choose the Right Plants for Northeast Ohio
For successful privacy landscaping in Cleveland, select plants that:
- Are rated for USDA Hardiness Zones 5-6, which covers the Cleveland area.
- Provide year-round coverage. Evergreens are a great choice.
- Work in your space. Think about what size plants will be when full-grown.
- Suit your soil conditions. Cleveland’s clay soil retains moisture, which some plants tolerate better than others.
Best Evergreens for Year-Round Privacy in Cleveland
- Arborvitae (Thuja): The ‘Green Giant’ variety grows quickly (3+ feet per year) and reaches 30-40 feet tall, while ‘Emerald Green’ is more compact for smaller spaces.
- Juniper (Juniperus): ‘Blue Arrow’ and ‘Spartan’ varieties offer excellent vertical screening in narrower spaces.
- Yew (Taxus): Extremely hardy and shade-tolerant, making them versatile for different yard conditions.
- Holly (Ilex): ‘Emerald Colonnade’ holly provides dense evergreen foliage with the bonus of winter berries.
- Norway Spruce (Picea abies): Fast-growing and adaptable to Cleveland’s climate, reaching 40-60 feet tall.
Additional Options for Seasonal Privacy
- Lilac (Syringa): Fragrant spring flowers and dense summer foliage, reaching 8-15 feet tall.
- Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata): Quick-growing shrubs that provide summer and fall privacy with beautiful blooms.
- Purple Leaf Sand Cherry (Prunus x cistena): Offers distinctive purple foliage and spring flowers.
- Forsythia: Early spring bloomer with bright yellow flowers and dense summer foliage.
Step 3: Design Your Privacy Screen
- Layer plants for depth and interest
Combine tall trees in the background, medium shrubs in the middle, and lower plants in the foreground for natural dimension. - Consider a mixed approach
Blend evergreens for year-round coverage with deciduous plants for seasonal interest and texture.
- Plan for mature size
Space plants according to their mature width to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to disease and poor growth. - Create visual breaks
Avoid a monotonous wall of the same plant by using different plants with varying textures, colors, and heights. - Incorporate existing structures
To enhance privacy, use pergolas, trellises, or existing fences as supportive frameworks for climbing vines like jasmine or clematis.
Step 4: Prepare and Plant
- Test your soil
You can contact the Ohio State University Extension office for information about soil testing services. - Prepare planting areas
Improve drainage in clay soils by adding compost or using raised planting beds. - Consider timing
Fall is often ideal for planting in Northeast Ohio, giving roots time to establish before summer heat. - Plant properly
Dig holes twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. Water thoroughly after planting. - Add mulch
Apply 2-3 inches of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping it away from direct contact with stems.
Step 5: Maintain Your Privacy Screen
- Water regularly
Newly planted privacy screens need consistent moisture for the first two years to establish strong root systems. - Prune strategically
Shape plants to encourage density, but avoid excessive pruning. - Monitor for pests
Watch for common Northeast Ohio plant problems like bagworms on arborvitae or scale on yews. - Fertilize appropriately
Apply a slow-release fertilizer in spring. Choose one based on plant needs and soil test recommendations.
Tips and Reminders for Cleveland Homeowners
- Check local regulations
Before planting, verify your city’s ordinances regarding hedge height, especially for front yards or corner lots where visibility for traffic safety may be regulated. Also, consider HOA rules that may restrict attaching items directly to fences. - Consider snow load
Northeast Ohio winters can be harsh. Choose plants that can withstand heavy snow without breaking, or place more delicate varieties in protected locations. A design team can help plan for these considerations, ensuring your landscape remains both beautiful and functional year-round. - Be neighborly
Discuss your privacy plans with your neighbors, especially if plantings will be near property lines or potentially affect their views or sunlight. - Plan for wildlife
Privacy plantings can attract birds and beneficial insects. Consider this when selecting plants, especially if you want to support local pollinators. - Think long-term
While fast-growing plants provide quicker privacy, they often have shorter lifespans or require more maintenance. Balance immediate needs with long-term garden health.
Closing Thoughts
Creating privacy through thoughtful landscaping is an investment that pays dividends in both property value and quality of life.
Unlike fences that deteriorate over time, living privacy screens get better with each passing season. By selecting plants well-suited to Cleveland’s climate and your specific needs, you can create an outdoor space that provides privacy and is beautiful.
Remember that patience is key—while some fast-growing plants can provide screening within a few seasons, the most robust and beautiful privacy landscapes develop over time.
Start with quality plants, plant them properly, and maintain them well, and you’ll enjoy your space for years to come.
Ready to Transform Your Outdoor Space?
If you’re ready to enhance your property’s privacy with beautiful, strategic landscaping, the experts at Lifestyle Landscaping can help.
Our team understands Northeast Ohio’s unique growing conditions and can design a privacy solution tailored to your specific needs and preferences. From initial design to expert installation and ongoing maintenance, we’ll help you create the yard you’ve been dreaming of. Contact us today at 440.353.0333 or visit our website to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a more private, beautiful landscape.