If we lived in the middle of nowhere having privacy (and bad internet) would be a given. However, when you have neighbours surrounding your home left, right and centre, enjoying your garden without curious neighbours poking their noses out the window is something that simply does not happen. Whether you have a small garden in the city or a larger garden in a cul-de-sac, increasing the privacy in your garden is paramount.

To give you a helping hand, I’ve put together some ideas on how to make your garden more private and make sure you can enjoy your outdoors without worrying about prying eyes.

Repair your fence or install a new one

Wooden garden fences that are old, worn or have been damaged by the wind are definitely not providing your home with the same amount of safety and privacy that a solid, good quality fence would. So, start by refreshing your garden fence or installing a brand-new fence.

To make sure your garden fence can withstand the elements, I’d recommend installing Speedy Fixings’ post shoes. These protect wooden posts from water, insect and fungal damage while providing posts more support and stability. Plus, as this article on Ideal Home mentions, post shoes can alter the look of your fence panels dramatically, adding an industrial touch to modernise any fence post.

Country Living suggests adding climbing plants along your garden fence. “Beautiful climbing plants like a colourful clematis or ivy planted along a garden fence will create a private space and a great place to nature spot. Why not give it a go?” Although I would say to be careful with ivy as it can grow out of control!

Plant tall and short trees

Planting trees around your garden will not only improve privacy in your garden but will also add a decorative element to your outdoors and will bring you closer to nature. Luxirare recommends “planting smaller trees near the places where you want privacy the most” as these will provide you with a sheltered space for you to enjoy some peace and quiet.

If you were to plant smaller trees closer to the edge of your garden, those who live nearby would still be able to look into your garden as it would be completely open. If you want to close off the view to your property from the road, planting taller trees and edging plants on the boundaries of the property would be the ideal choice.

Better Homes and Gardens proposes that layering planting would be a good way of creating a “sheltered yard” which will block your neighbour’s views of your space. “By layering plantings to form pockets or a living wall where you can’t see your house or another part of the yard” you can create an extra-secluded backyard, where you feel like “you’re getting away from it all without actually going anywhere.”