Living close to neighbors has many benefits, but it often comes with one challenge—maintaining your privacy.
If your home is separated by a narrow side yard or a small stretch of land, thoughtful landscaping can transform the space into a secluded and inviting retreat.
From tall greenery to creative structures, there are countless ways to block unwanted views while enhancing curb appeal.
Here are nine privacy landscaping ideas to try between houses.
1. Tall Evergreen Trees
Evergreen trees are one of the most natural and effective ways to create privacy between houses.
They stay green year-round, giving you continuous coverage no matter the season.
Popular choices like arborvitae, Leyland cypress, or juniper grow tall and dense, forming a living wall that shields your home.
Plant them in a straight row for a formal look, or stagger them slightly for a more natural feel.
With proper spacing, evergreens not only block sightlines but also help absorb sound, creating a quieter outdoor environment.
2. Decorative Privacy Fences
If you prefer a more structured approach, a privacy fence is a timeless solution.
Modern designs go beyond plain wooden panels—think horizontal cedar planks, composite fencing, or even decorative latticework.
Adding climbing plants such as ivy or clematis can soften the look and create a lush, green boundary.
Fences are especially useful in narrow spaces where planting large trees or shrubs isn’t practical.
You can also paint or stain your fence to match your home’s exterior, giving the space a polished finish.
3. Layered Shrubs and Bushes
Instead of relying on a single type of plant, consider creating a layered shrub border.
Start with taller shrubs like viburnum or photinia in the back, then add mid-sized options such as boxwood, hydrangea, or azalea, and finish with groundcovers in the front.
This layered design not only blocks views but also adds texture, depth, and seasonal interest to your landscaping.
For year-round privacy, mix evergreen shrubs with flowering varieties so that you get color and coverage throughout the year.
Read More: 13 Backyard Privacy Landscaping Ideas
4. Living Green Walls
Living walls, also known as vertical gardens, are an excellent choice for small side yards where ground space is limited.
These walls use trellises, planters, or specialized panels filled with greenery to form a lush, upright screen.
Vining plants such as star jasmine, honeysuckle, or climbing roses thrive on vertical structures and give your outdoor space a soft, natural feel.
Living green walls also improve air quality and can make narrow spaces between houses feel more vibrant and cozy.
5. Bamboo Screens
Fast-growing and naturally tall, bamboo is a fantastic option for instant privacy.
When planted in clusters, bamboo can quickly form a dense wall that blocks neighbors’ views.
Clumping bamboo varieties are preferable for landscaping since they don’t spread aggressively like running bamboo.
You can grow them directly in the ground or in large containers if you want more control over their growth.
Bamboo adds a touch of modern, Zen-inspired style to your landscaping while providing shade and seclusion.
6. Pergolas and Trellises
Adding a pergola or trellis between houses is another stylish way to increase privacy.
These structures create vertical height and can be customized with climbing plants for a softer, natural look.
For example, a wooden trellis covered with grapevines or wisteria provides shade and screening, while a pergola outfitted with outdoor curtains or bamboo shades offers flexible privacy.
Beyond blocking views, pergolas and trellises also define the space and make side yards more functional for seating or gardening.
Read More: 9 Front Yard Privacy Landscaping
7. Ornamental Grasses
For a low-maintenance option, tall ornamental grasses can be used as a natural privacy divider.
Varieties like pampas grass, miscanthus, or feather reed grass grow in thick clumps and reach impressive heights, creating a semi-transparent barrier that sways beautifully in the wind.
These grasses are easy to care for, drought-tolerant, and add movement and texture to your landscaping.
They’re especially effective in narrow side yards where a lighter, airy barrier may be more appealing than solid fencing.
8. Potted Plant Privacy Walls
If you want a flexible and movable option, consider creating a privacy wall with large potted plants.
Tall potted evergreens, bamboo in containers, or even layered pots with shrubs and flowers can be arranged strategically to block views.
This is perfect for renters or homeowners who don’t want to commit to permanent landscaping.
You can also rearrange the pots as needed, swap out plants seasonally, or even add decorative planters that complement your outdoor design style.
9. Water Features and Rock Landscaping
For those who want both privacy and a serene atmosphere, incorporating water features and rock landscaping can help.
While these elements don’t always block views directly, they work beautifully when combined with greenery.
For example, a rock wall paired with climbing plants or a bubbling fountain surrounded by shrubs creates a sense of seclusion while masking noise from nearby houses.
The sound of running water not only enhances relaxation but also drowns out conversations, making your outdoor space feel more private and peaceful.
Read More: 17 Simple Garden Ideas
Creating privacy between houses doesn’t mean building tall walls or shutting yourself off from neighbors completely.
With the right combination of plants, structures, and design elements, you can achieve a balance between seclusion and beauty.
Whether you prefer a natural look with evergreens and ornamental grasses or a more architectural approach with fences and trellises, these nine landscaping ideas can help transform your side yard into a private retreat you’ll enjoy year-round.
