NATURAL DIVIDERS
• Italian Cypress – This plant is popular because it rarely exceeds ten feet in width while reaching towering heights of up to 80 feet. Because of that height, watch for overhead obstructions when planning your location. Choose a sunny spot in Zones 8-10. • Boxwood – Although not a fast-growing option, boxwood creates a reliably dense border. Be aware that boxwood does not do well in direct sunlight, so it is typically most content on the north side of the property. Also, make sure that boxwood is not planted against the house. Depending on the type of boxwood, space them 18-36 inches apart when planting. • Arborvitae – This is perhaps one of the most commonly planted options to create a clean division between properties. They will grow in most regions with little routine maintenance. • Bamboo – Bamboo is easy to plant and grow- -perhaps too easy, as it can quickly become an invasive plant. Roots travel underground and happily pop up on the neighbor’s side of the fence, so bamboo must be contained with a thick ground cover if you don’t want it to spread. Knowing that, though, it is one of the fastest-growing privacy shields you can choose. • Butterfly Bushes – These stunners can grow four to eight feet tall, providing deep purple flowers in mid to late summer. They are also easy to grow and deer-resistant, making them a nice option as a border plant. – Another popular plant, rhododendrons are typically happy in Zones 5-8 with a sufficient amount of water and rich soil. They produce large blooms in the late spring, and the thick stalks make for a dense living wall. • Rhododendrons • Roses – Roses are always an option for security due to their prickly nature, which discourages lurking. They are nice in place of, or in addition to, a fence. Plus, they smell great and are a colorful complement to your yard.
There are many reasons that fencing might not work for your situation. Perhaps your HOA or local zoning laws don’t allow it. Maybe your property is too large to fence in, or you simply prefer a more natural look. If fencing isn’t an option, consider the many natural plants, trees, and shrubs that can create a barrier. In addition to trees and shrubs, natural fences can be made out of many foliage options such as hops, grapes, clematis, and other growing vines. Attach them to a lattice, the side of the pergola, or the fence itself. Tall crops such as corn or sunflowers might fit the bill, too.
PLAN FOR PLANT GROWTH
Rambling bushes such as blackberries can be an effective property divider for larger pieces of land. Not only do they create a visual block, but they also offer security protection with their thorny vines. However, it’s crucial that your landscaping doesn’t encroach on the neighbor’s property. Things like mint, bamboo, and blackberry will quickly take over any surrounding area, so if you choose these or similar options, you’ll need to rein them in. Depending on the size of your lot or land, you may want to use a combination of materials to meet your needs. For example, a larger lot might incorporate garden walls, lattice, trees, shrubs, and fencing.
TREES AND SHRUBS
Trees and shrubs offer a buffer between you and the neighbors. You can select tall trees that produce shade for the summer, or streamline the look with carefully sculpted varieties. Again, plan for the mature size of the tree so it doesn’t cross over the property line as it grows. If this is a concern, shrubs might be a better option. There are many cultivars popular for creating a dividing line. Here are a few:
9 September 2025
Powered by FlippingBook