Good fences make good neighbors, they say.
But fencing isnt the only way to shield your outdoor space from peeping toms and passersby.
you’ve got the option to create privacy in your yardon a budget especially if you get creative.
Photo courtesy of Janet Loughrey.
Fences are usually the first privacy solution people consider to block a neighbors view.
But wooden fencing and metal fences are incredibly expensive.
In this guide, we cover some cheap ways to block your neighbors view.
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But theres a few things to consider first.
You want to comply with any fence height, outbuilding size and property line setback restrictions.
Also keep in mind that some budget-friendly backyard privacy solutions are faster and easier to construct than others.
Start there and add other privacy layers over time to keep costs low.
This 5-foot wide by 6-foot tallLight Filtering Roller Sun Shadefrom Walmart, for example, is about $37.
Outdoor privacy deck screens are another option.
Or this 8.5-foot wide fabric and steel frameindoor/outdoor room dividerfrom Amazon for $55.
Look for grommet or tab-top curtains with weighted hems.
Outdoor curtains come in many fabrics, from heavy cotton-canvas blends to sheers.
You should hang outdoor curtains from a weather-resistant and rust-proof curtain rod, galvanized pipe or thin PVC pipe.
Lattice screens also come in a variety of colors, materials and sizes to suit your needs.
For additional privacy, you’re free to add fast-growing vines.
This cheap way to block a neighbors view is a great idea near a property line, too.
Its cheaper, faster and lighter than installing solid wooden fencing around your property.
You will need to buy at least two wooden fence posts and concrete.
Dig holes for the posts and add concrete sand to hold them in place.
Next, unfurl a roll of wire or bamboo fencing and secure it at either end of the posts.
You brew coffee at home, you dont walk into Target and you refuse to order avocado toast.
(Can you sense my millennial sarcasm there?)
You know which ones were talking about: rent, utilities, cell phone bill, insurance, groceries… To add greenery to your own backyard, plant vines around the structure.
Many vining plants will quickly grow from a one- to two-gallon nursery pot to 6 feet high or more.
For shady spots, check out Angyo Star Fatshedera and English ivy.
It can be a little hit-or-miss, like going to a thrift store, Loughrey said.
You might also check Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.
Sometimes small builders or home renovation companies sell materials there at a steep discount.
Some even list old lumber for free just to get rid of it.
Youll need to be comfortable with power tools and construction to create a pergola from scratch.
you could check out how one DIY-erbuilt a pergolafrom reclaimed wood for less than $75.
Another option: Building a container garden or a planter box with a trellis.
Or, you’re free to buy one from places likeAmazonandHome Depotforless than $100.
Wooden Pallet Privacy Wall
Want to construct a privacy wall to block your neighbors view without breaking the bank?
you might use long roofing nails or bolts to join pallets together into a privacy fence.
you’ve got the option to add wooden posts to securely anchor the fence.
Ornamental grasses grow more quickly than shrubs and evergreen trees.
Also, they dont grow as tall as a tree or hedge.
Emerald Green Thuja is another option: This overachieving arborvitae can grow up to 5 feet per year.
McConnell said to expect to pay around $25 to $35 for most three-gallon plants.
Screen Play Holly
This evergreen beauty offers glossy growth with deep red berries in early winter.
Forever Goldy Arborvitae
This vine delivers a classical look with bright golden foliage and an upright, pyramidal shape.
It can grow 10 to 12 feet high, making it ideal for borders and hedges.
It is famous for its lovely lavender flowers, which attract butterflies, bees and other pollinating insects.
McConnell recommends Summertime Blues Vitex for a soft, natural privacy screen.
Crape Myrtle
Crape myrtles are hardy shrubs and small trees long associated with gardening in the South.
McConnell suggests the Miss Frances crape myrtle, which offers scarlet blooms and green leaves.
Viburnum
Viburnum are evergreen blooming shrubs that grow well planted in a group or as a hedge for privacy.
McConnell likes the Coppertop Sweet Viburnum.
Its dark maroon new growth fades to copper, then olive over the season.
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Rachel Christian is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance and a senior writer for The Penny Hoarder.
She focuses on retirement, investing, credit and life insurance.
