Whether you're sipping your morning coffee on the deck or hosting a summer barbecue, privacy in your backyard can make all the difference. In busy neighborhoods or tightly packed communities, it's natural to crave a more secluded, peaceful outdoor space—somewhere to unwind, recharge, and feel at home.
The good news? You don’t need towering fences or a massive yard to create it. With smart planning and the right design elements, you can transform your backyard into a private oasis—beautiful, functional, and uniquely yours.
1. 🌳 Use Vertical Landscaping for Natural Screens
Trees and tall shrubs are one of the most attractive and effective ways to create backyard privacy.
Try:
Columnar trees like Swedish Columnar Aspen, Taylor Juniper, or Purple Spire Crabapple for narrow spaces.
Evergreens such as Skyrocket Juniper or Weeping White Spruce for year-round coverage.
Layered plantings with shrubs, grasses, and perennials to soften fence lines and block views.
🌱 Pro Tip: Native and drought-tolerant trees thrive in Calgary’s climate and reduce maintenance.
2. 🪵 Install Decorative Fencing or Screens
Standard fences offer basic coverage, but decorative solutions elevate both privacy and style.
Options include:
Slatted wood or cedar fences (modern and warm)
Lattice panels with climbing vines (like clematis or Virginia creeper)
Metal or composite privacy screens with cut-out designs. Check out Hideaway Screens for a beautiful selection.
These elements can serve as feature walls, windbreaks, or visual anchors for seating areas.
3. 🏡 Create Cozy Zones with Pergolas or Arbors
Pergolas and arbors don’t just add architectural interest—they also provide partial shelter and seclusion when paired with:
Draped outdoor curtains
Hanging plants or lights
Climbing greenery like honeysuckle or hops
They’re ideal for patios, hot tubs, or outdoor dining nooks.
4. 🌾 Add Height with Raised Planters or Privacy Walls
If you’re short on planting space, build up instead of out.
Raised planters with tall ornamental grasses or bamboo alternatives (like Karl Foerster grass) create instant privacy.
Living walls (vertical gardens) add greenery without taking up floor space.
These work especially well on balconies, decks, or in narrow side yards.
5. 🔉 Don’t Forget Sound & Light Privacy
Privacy isn’t just visual—it’s also about reducing noise and maintaining ambiance.
Water features like fountains or bubbling urns help mask street noise.
Strategic lighting (low and warm) keeps your space cozy without spotlighting it to neighbors.
Noise Barrier fencing is also an option. Check out Tahm Enterprises local to Calgary.
Use outdoor rugs, cushions, or hedges to absorb sound and create a soft, tranquil feel.
6. 🪴 Mix and Match for the Best Results
No one element works alone—combine plantings, hardscaping, and soft features to make your yard feel enclosed yet open.
For example:
A corner seating area with a pergola overhead, lattice behind, and columnar trees along the side gives all-around protection without walls.
A row of upright evergreens combined with a low fence creates privacy without making the space feel boxed in.
🛠️ Final Tips for a More Private Backyard:
Check local bylaws for fence height or tree placement rules.
Plant strategically—focus on sightlines from windows, patios, or neighboring decks.
Start with one area, like your main seating or dining space, and build out from there.
🌟 Your Private Backyard Awaits
Privacy doesn’t have to mean isolation. By layering greenery, structure, and thoughtful design, you can carve out peaceful, private corners in your yard—spaces that feel like an extension of your home. Whether you're reading, entertaining, or just soaking up the sun, your backyard should feel like yours.
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