Pruning, however, does not solve the larger problem at hand, which is the fact deciduous plants lose their leaves in the winter and open views of the client’s backyard to adjacent properties—nullifying the very notion of the privacy screen. As such, many homeowners opt for evergreens in place of deciduous plants. These trees are a more costly option but provide year-round privacy and greenery. When factoring in an evergreen specimen, it is important to factor in the size of the client’s garden. A 1.5-m (5-ft) evergreen plant, for example, comes with a hefty root ball, which could require a 0.8-m (2.5-ft) hole (at minimum). As a result, the size of the client’s garden will dictate how large of a specimen can be planted. For instance, if the homeowner has a complete interlocking deck, or their pool is already installed, there may not be enough space to accommodate the machinery required to dig the hole—or bring the specimen into the backyard for that matter. When it comes to using trees, shrubbery, or other plants as a privacy screen, the client also needs to determine their budget first, as well as their overall level of patience for the plant.
The mettle in metal screens
Using sheet metal as decorative privacy screens that double as art installations is a growing trend in landscape design. This option is highly customizable; these screens can be tailored to suit the homeowner’s size requirements, colour preferences, patterns, and overall level of privacy. Metal coated with patina can also contribute to the winter value, with the beauty of the rust popping when contrasted against white snow. Installations can also be lit up at night to add dimension and depth. Placing a metal piece in front of a stark wall or within a darkened corner of the homeowner’s backyard can create a conversation piece. In addition to its versatility, metal privacy screens are incredibly durable. These installations can last more than 30 years in a client’s backyard landscape; in fact, homeowners can even pack them up and take them if they move.
Unlike wood, metal does not need to be kept flat; it can be bent, curved, rolled, welded, and hammered, making way for light columns, blacksmith-style features, and globes. The material can be manipulated and incorporated to be more than simply a functional aspect of the backyard. One can also use metal art installations to control sight lines or to allow light into a basement when the installation is set inside a deck.
If the homeowner is not a fan of rusty patina, there are other options such as aluminum or stainless steel. These shiny surfaces will reflect light and play with shadows. Additionally, metal can be painted any colour. If the homeowner likes a raw metal look with an industrial-appearance, they can clear-coat the grey surface to prevent it from rusting. Alternatively, if they would like the piece to match a wrought-iron fence, it can be painted black. Further, if they would rather it match the off-white trim of their home, it can be painted beige. The choice of contrasting or blending the installation is completely customizable. Metal screening can provide a client with endless options regarding versatility. If the homeowner is interested in creating a softer style, another consideration is blending metal with wood and framing the installation with posts or beams. Framing metal-on-metal can also create a unique, customized look.
