How-to Incorporate Privacy Trees in Your Landscaping Design
Privacy at home is a serious concern because it can impact your comfort level inside the home, your home’s security and more. There are many ways to improve your property to achieve a desired level of privacy. Some people will keep their blinds closed at all hours. Others may build a tall fence to keep the prying eyes of passersby from peering into their home. While these are possible options, they may not be ideal. After all, you may enjoy natural sunlight streaming through your windows during the day, so keeping the blinds closed can be uncomfortable. You also may not want to offend or alienate your neighbors by installing a tall fence. Another idea is to plant trees around the perimeter of your home for privacy. Trees may take several years to fully mature and to provide the level of privacy that you desire. However, they are more aesthetically pleasing, and their slow growth may result in less alienation from your neighbors. If you intend to plant trees along your property’s perimeter for privacy, follow these helpful steps to enjoy effective results.
Research Characteristics and Needs of Different Species
The characteristics of your new trees will dramatically impact the results that you enjoy. Consider that some trees may grow to a very tall height with most or all foliage a dozen feet or more off of the ground. This type of tree would not work well for privacy. Other trees may take a dozen years or more to mature, and this may not be practical for your needs. You may also consider how many months of the year that the trees are without leaves. The spacing required between healthy trees should also be researched. In addition to focusing on these characteristics, keep in mind that native trees may grow better in your area. Therefore, begin your research by focusing your attention on native species that have desirable characteristics.
Measure the Space
Before you purchase trees for your privacy needs, measure the space carefully. You need to know the linear distance as well as the height of the space. Trees must be planted a specific distance apart so that their roots can get the nutrients and water that they need and so that the branches do not block out sunlight that other nearby trees need. You may consider sketching a layout of your yard in order to get an accurate measurement for the placement of the trees.
Determine Your Budget
After you have taken these steps, you may be almost ready to purchase your trees. A final factor to consider before buying new privacy trees is your budget. Smaller trees are often much more affordable to buy, and they are also easier for you to plant on your own. However, depending on their growth rate and their size at the time of purchase, it may take several years before they provide the full level of privacy that you desire. Larger trees may cost a small fortune depending on the species and their size. They may be much heaver to work with when planting, and they often require a much deeper hole to be dug. As you set a realistic budget, you must find a middle ground between these factors and the type of trees that you wish to purchase.
Plan Ahead for the Planting Process
The best time to plant trees is when they are dormant. For most species, this is in the fall or early spring. The ground needs to be thawed and hopefully somewhat warm. Understand the depth of the hole that you need to dig for each tree ahead of time so that you can have the right tools and equipment available. If you are planting very large trees, it may be helpful to hire a landscaper or arborist to do the work for you.
Planting trees for privacy is a smart idea for several reasons, but it requires careful research and planning for the best results. If you are concerned about privacy at home, now is a wonderful time to begin researching species and measuring your space. By taking these steps, you can more accurately determine if this privacy option will work well for your needs and budget.
