While fences offer quick privacy, they can feel harsh or restrictive. In contrast, natural privacy plants and softscaping provide a more welcoming, organic alternative. Over time, these options blend into the landscape and mature beautifully, adding character and charm.

A neatly landscaped sidewalk bordered by small, trimmed evergreen shrubs and flowering bushes with white blossoms, surrounded by mulch and trees in the background.

A newly planted row of evergeen holly plants will offer privacy from the street.

Why Go Fence-Free?

While fences offer quick privacy, they can feel harsh or restrictive. In contrast, natural privacy plants and softscaping provide a more welcoming, organic alternative. Over time, these options blend into the landscape and mature beautifully, adding character and charm.

 

Top Privacy Plant Options

When selecting plants, professional landscape services can help you select the right privacy plants based on your space, sun exposure, and desired look. For example, some top-performing choices include:

  • Arborvitae: Dense and fast-growing, ideal for tall green screens.
  • Holly: Evergreen with lush green foliage and year-round interest.
  • Leyland Cypress: Fast growing with a slight pyramidal shape.
  • Skip Laurel: Evergreen with glossy, dark foliage.
  • Ornamental Grasses: Soft movement and layered texture, great for partial screening.

Moreover, mixing heights, textures, and bloom times can enhance visual appeal while providing effective screening.

A row of dense, green arborvitae trees growing along a wooden fence, forming a natural privacy barrier. The grass beneath them is lush and well-maintained.

Arborvitae

A rectangular backyard swimming pool is surrounded by green grass, stepping stones, and landscaping with bushes and trees, enclosed by a wooden fence.

Ornamental Grasses

A row of green shrubs planted along a light wooden privacy fence in a landscaped garden, with grass in the foreground and tall evergreen trees in the background.

Skip Laurel

Close-up of bright green, needle-like leaves on a coniferous evergreen tree branch, with overlapping, lush foliage in the background.

Leyland Cypress

Design Ideas for a More Private Yard

Creating privacy doesn’t stop with plantings. In addition, consider these expert landscape design tips:

 

  • Use Elevation: Raised beds or terraced gardens can create separation and visual blocks.
  • Layered Plantings: Combine tall shrubs, mid-sized perennials, and groundcovers for depth and screening.
  • Outdoor Structures: Arbors, trellises, and pergolas add architectural interest and support climbing plants.
  • Strategic Placement: Create cozy nooks by enclosing patios or seating areas with natural elements.
Hicks Landscape Anthony Musso

Work With a Landscape Design Expert

Ultimately, privacy is personal. That’s why Hicks Landscapes tailors every project to your property and goals. With our expert knowledge, we choose the right plants and placement to create living walls that evolve with your space.

Whether you want to block views from neighbors or simply enjoy a quiet spot to relax, we’re here to help. From start to finish, our team will design and install a natural privacy solution that’s both beautiful and functional.

Ready to begin? Start your privacy project today. Contact us for a custom landscape design consultation and let’s reimagine your outdoor space—fence-free.

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