Balancing safety, privacy, and esthetics in backyard screen selection

by arslan_ahmed | November 10, 2022 6:00 am

Offering clients variety when it comes to privacy options

By Alica Dusil

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Today, homes are worth far more than they were a decade ago and, as a result, many consider their primary dwelling to be much more than a busy day-to-day hub of activity. In fact, they are multi-purpose centres where one can throw a dinner party for friends, host a small business meeting, and get in some daily exercise.

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By extension, backyards have evolved into a personalized vacation destination. The design possibilities for one’s outdoor space are endless—from secluded relaxation spots to hot tubs, pools, fully equipped kitchens, and living rooms. As homeowners spend more time entertaining and socializing outdoors, the aspect of personal privacy has become increasingly important; however, this can be a challenging feat if space is limited. For this reason, proper landscape design is crucial to achieving a successful and secure outdoor environment.

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When designing a homeowner’s backyard oasis, the use of decorative screens can help satisfy any privacy concerns. They are subtle, adaptable, and available in a variety of styles. That said, when considering privacy screens, many picture fences, shrubbery, and dense hedges, but how does one determine which is best for their client’s backyard?

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Getting sturdy with wood fences

A classic, go-to option, wood fences are functional and provide durable, long-lasting safety and protection. They can also be esthetically pleasing in design. Current trends include horizontal slats in cedar, composite materials, wood mixture, and even painted wood. Staggered spacing and varying board thickness can add vertical interest to wood fences. Although the “tongue and groove” option creates a solid fence, it can also restrict airflow, which can contribute to an uncomfortably hot backyard in the summer. By incorporating lattice insets or full-lattice panels can help to increase air circulation while also providing additional interest to the fence.

If the homeowner decides they want a fence for privacy, it is important to investigate any potential height restrictions that are mandated in their municipality. Most city bylaws state a fence cannot be higher than 2 m (6.6 ft) and any fence surrounding a pool cannot be climbable by a child or closer than 1.5 m (5 ft) to the water’s edge.

The client’s neighbours are another factor to contend with—especially if they share property lines. Agreeing on the style, colour, and material of a shared fence can be difficult—even contentious—and cause friction between neighbours. If this is a concern, another option is to install a separate, stand-alone privacy screen in lieu of a fence. These installations can usually be built taller than traditional wooden fences and offer more design options and different finishes.

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Planting living walls

When it comes to privacy, one cannot find a more natural option than trees and shrubs. That said, there are advantages and disadvantages when using materials provided by Mother Nature.

While trees offer warmth and protection, they do not always produce the effect the homeowner may be looking for with respect to privacy and appearance. For one, these plants take years to mature and are unlikely to provide the homeowner with suitable privacy protection. It is important to also consider the tree’s potential size as it reaches maturity. In the past few decades, nurseries have been modifying large trees, so they grow smaller in landscape designs to prevent them from overwhelming smaller spaces. Narrow-growing maples, oaks, and hornbeams are among the most popular deciduous trees used for the purpose of privacy. For the first 10 years, these trees look great; however, even the narrowest tree can widen to an unexpected size and cause undue problems. These plants can potentially grow to 6 m (20 ft) tall and more than 1.8 m (6 ft) wide. In some cases, the homeowner may find the lateral branches of the tree infringe on their space, if this happens, they should be trimmed from the bottom to help reduce the amount of overhang above their pool or spa.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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What option is right?

Budget, quality, and creativity all play major roles when a homeowner is designing their backyard oasis. While one should always plan when installing a fence or plants for privacy, metal screens allow more flexibility. These types of installations can easily be incorporated into a landscape design after construction is complete, so there is no need for a homeowner to rush their decision. When it comes to deciding which method one will choose to create outdoor privacy in their backyard, homeowners should consult a professional, creative designer who is well-versed in the available options. Whether a homeowner selects wood, plants, metal, or a combination of these materials, the job of a professional landscaper is to ensure the design evokes a sense of peace and beauty and reflects the client’s personality.

Author

Alica Dusil established Dusil Design in 1999 as a landscape design company, which incorporates custom-metal screens and sculptures into each project. Her design and metal art studio is based in Carlisle, Ont. She can be reached at info@dusildesign.com.

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/features/beyond-the-fence/

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