Screening a Bad View

Fences may make for good neighbors, but landscape plants are an attractive way to create privacy and screen bad views.

This Homestead Ohio buckeye was strategically placed to screen the view of nearby houses. Plus, the tree will provide winter interest, fall color, and shade the children as they enjoy the playset.

Buckthorn, mulberry and Norway maples seeded in and covered the transformer.

A mixed garden screened the utilities. A twisted Swiss stone pine provides year round screening and shelter for the birds. A variety of deciduous shrubs add spring flowers, fruit for the birds and fall color. The perennials finish off the garden with added seasonal interest.

The invasive plants were removed, so they no longer spread into the nearby woods.

A bit more information: Use a vine-covered trellis to provide screening in small narrow spaces.  Select evergreen vines or a more intricately designed trellis for year round screening.  Add seasonal interest by growing vines with interesting foliage, good fall color, flowers and colorful fruit.