Hardscaping Landscaping for Backyard Privacy
Searching for a way to add a bit more privacy to your backyard? Hardscaping landscaping involves the use of material structures that does just that. No matter whether it’s fencing, trees or stone walls, hardscaping can be combined with living elements to create a backyard that is both comfortable to use and beautiful to view.
What is hardscaping?
Hardscaping is the process of adding any non-living decorative or material structure to a landscape design. It includes elements such as:
- Stone retaining walls
- Concrete, brick and flagstone patios
- Stone walkways and gravel paths
- Stone landscape steps
- Metal fences
- Wooden fences
- Wooden decks
- Fire pits
- Wooden arbors or gazebos
- Pergolas
- Fountains
- Lighting
- Ponds
- Outdoor kitchens and bars
What is the difference between hardscaping and landscaping?
The intention of hardscaping is to define spacing and add centralized organization to landscape designs. It sections off certain elements for use (a patio) and non-use (a fountain), as well as leads visitors in the correct direction through the landscaping structure (pathways). Hardscaping is also a great way to provide privacy to living areas like backyards.
The other element of landscaping is known as softscaping. Softscaping includes all the living elements of landscape design such as trees, flowers and plants. The combination of both falls under the umbrella of landscaping.
Hardscaping landscaping for backyard privacy
Hardscaping is a fantastic way to add add privacy to spaces that would otherwise be more public. Backyards are where families often spend a lot of time, and it’s not so nice if you have neighbors or passersby peering in all the time. Hardscaping uses structural designs that enhance privacy in your own spaces so that can relax and be yourself.
A lattice as a privacy screen
A lattice is a fence-like structure that uses a criss-cross design of wood or other materials. It can be combined with a plant such as ivy to both soften the look of the hardscape, but also increase the level of privacy. A lattice can provide an interesting texture to the total landscape design and also lets in bits of light to brighten the surroundings.
Stone or brick walls
Other types of retaining walls can have an even more definitive effect on privacy because they completely block out light as well as have a noise cancelling effect. A low maintenance form of hardscaping, retaining walls help reduce erosion and keep softscape elements in place. Higher retaining walls lock in privacy and can be stylishly designed with patterns and softscape elements to create the ideal blend.
Combine a pergola with softscape elements
A pergola is a bit similar to a gazebo, but has a much more “unfinished” look. It’s a minimalistic structure that uses four beams to hold up a lattice roof. They can be both raised and located at ground-level, creating living area spaces for dining and sitting.
Pergolas too offer a design and privacy element. Softscape elements can be placed on the pergola itself, or in the surrounding area. Layering additional softscape elements adds to the privacy effect. Mixing a variety of privacy plants, shrubs and trees results in an elegant and secluded setting.
Use trees to your advantage
If trees already exist in your backyard, you can utilize this to your advantage because trees are nature’s privacy screens. You can section off an area with a tree and create a nook underneath them with a pergola. Depending on the location, you can add a fence with softscape decorative elements or shrubs that cover the surrounding area. Section off the area through additional hardscape elements like adding a patio for seating and a walkway to get there.
Construct plants to act as a privacy fence
If you’re looking to keep your design more natural, you can use medium or tall plants to give an area more privacy. Mix up the coloring and texture of the area with different plant types in clusters. These can also be backed by trees or larger shrubs to multiply the privacy effect. An additional seating area like a patio now becomes much more discreet.
Bamboo fencing
Bamboo is a fantastic material to use for fencing because it’s sturdy and grows quickly. Similarly to a lattice, bamboo lets in slight lighting elements, but also acts as a privacy screen. Additional softscape laying of plants and shrubs thicken the fencing while also giving your backyard a true feeling of “zen”.
Fountains or water elements block out noise
Privacy also includes a noise factor. You can keep external noise out, as well as keep your communication more private through water elements. Fountains are a fantastic way to do this because the noise of the water cancels out other noises. Combine water elements, a patio and softscape elements to create a truly enriching backyard scene.
Hardscaping for small backyards
Hardscaping is not limited to large spaces. It’s still possible in small backyards to increase privacy as well as achieve a better design ambiance. The key is to include vertical space in your design thinking. Use softscape elements like trees, tall shrubs and hanging planters from walls or fences. A combination of hanging planters, a raised area like a pedestal and hanging gardens can draw attention upward and enlarge the area. Pavement can also use a curved structure to give the give the illusion that there’s even more space.
How much does hardscaping cost?
There is no one price for hardscaping landscaping because the projects vary widely in capacity. Each project comes with its own rate depending on elements such as: the type of services the landscaping contractor provides, how often they will do these services, as well as quality. Low pricing is not necessarily a bargain deal to jump on, because you can end up with bad results. It’s highly recommended to choose more experienced landscaping service providers to ensure the best possible results.
Moscarino: an experienced hardscaping contractor in Ohio
Quality is of the utmost importance to Moscarino, a highly experienced landscaping contractor providing services throughout Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. As a hardscaping expert, Moscarino provides comprehensive hardscaping services that seamlessly blends natural and structural elements. This includes beginning with 2D and 3D computer designs that help create a budget and timeline that works for you, as well as installing all hardscaping structures for immediate use after project completion.
