design element Privacy Screenings

What are privacy screenings? They are landscape elements designed to create seclusion, block unwanted views, and define outdoor spaces. Typically using plantings, fencing, or structures, they enhance comfort, security, and visual appeal while integrating naturally into a property.
Layered shrubs and fencing reduce unwanted sightlines, helping define outdoor space while maintaining a natural residential feel.

what is privacy screening

Plant-based screening is one of the most effective and natural ways to create privacy in residential landscapes. In New England, designers commonly use layered plantings such as arborvitae, American holly, boxwood, yew, and mixed evergreen hedges to establish year-round separation and visual buffering. Deciduous shrubs, ornamental trees, and grasses introduce seasonal change and soften edges, allowing screening to feel integrated rather than imposed.

When planned carefully, planting-based privacy screens provide separation while preserving light, airflow, and long-term plant health, resulting in outdoor spaces that feel balanced, comfortable, and enduring.

common privacy screening questions

1. What is privacy screening in landscape design?
Privacy screening uses plantings, fences, or structures to block unwanted views and create more comfortable outdoor spaces.
2. What plants are best for privacy screening in New England?
Common choices include arborvitae, boxwood, yew, American holly, and mixed evergreen hedges for year-round coverage.
3. Is planting better than fencing for privacy?
Planting often feels more natural and adaptable, while fencing offers immediate screening. Many designs combine both for best results.
4. How long does it take for privacy screening plants to fill in?
Most screening plantings provide partial privacy within 1–2 years, with full coverage developing over time based on species and spacing.
Mixed hedges and trees establish a natural property border that screens distant views while preserving openness and light.

see examples of our privacy screenings

Precisely clipped hedging delivers clean lines and visual buffering, offering privacy without sacrificing a refined garden aesthetic.
Layered hedging conceals the property from surrounding views, allowing the landscape to feel tucked away and intentional.
A dense row of arborvitae provides year-round screening from the street, reducing visual exposure and improving backyard comfort.
Arborvitae screening along the roadway reduces traffic views and noise while creating a calmer, more enclosed yard.
Urban rooftop plantings and vertical screening soften hard edges while blocking neighboring views to create a more secluded outdoor retreat.
Formal boxwood hedges define space and provide structured privacy while complementing the geometry of the surrounding landscape.
Arborvitae and ornamental trees shield the pool area from neighboring properties, improving comfort and visual separation.
Strategic planting around the pool blocks views from nearby patios, enhancing privacy for swimming and outdoor lounging.
Evergreen plantings paired with masonry elements enclose this fireplace area, creating privacy and shelter for outdoor gatherings.
A long, continuous hedge creates consistent screening along the property edge, reducing exposure to adjacent homes.

the value of privacy

Privacy screenings deliver functional, financial, and lifestyle value by improving comfort, usability, and the overall sense of ease within your property. Strategic screening can contribute to long-term property value by creating spaces that feel sheltered, intentional, and relaxing rather than exposed. Whether achieved through planting, structures, or a combination of both, effective screening supports everyday enjoyment and entertaining while allowing the landscape to mature gracefully over time.

Contact us to speak with one of our designers about privacy options suited to your property. We’d love to share more examples of our work and discuss how a Blade of Grass can design, build, and maintain a custom privacy solution that integrates seamlessly with your home and landscape.
Trees and hedges enclose this play area, creating a safer, more private space for children within the landscape.

read our privacy screening blog posts

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what our clients say

review - a blade of grass landscape designer Boston review
“Exceptional vision coupled with practical advice. The team worked hard under difficult conditions, the job was done in a timely manner and the outcome surpassed my very high expectations.”
Kathy H.
West Roxbury, MA
“What a great company. The people we work with are responsive, knowledgeable and a delight to work with. They meet with us each year at the beginning of the season to understand our needs and they make sure they meet those needs.”
Helen S.
Concord, MA
“They listened to what we wanted and created an oasis where each month we saw different plants blooming with different colors. Our designer was a joy to work with and she truly taught us about plants and flowers through this experience.”
Jaimin P.
Sudbury, MA
“Their creative vision, thoroughness, and professionalism exceeds all expectations. Further, the Blade of Grass team is exceptionally friendly, responsive and easy-going.”
Lindsey M.
Dover, MA
“They gave me an accurate budget and timetable up front and pretty much stuck to it - much to my husband's delight. They are not pushy about their services which I truly appreciate and which is why I continue to use them for maintenance, new plantings etc. Would highly recommend them!”
Sunitha D.
Newton, MA
“a Blade of Grass was a joy to work with from beginning to end. They were focused on us the entire process from brainstorming, designing, selecting and installation. We love our new landscaped backyard and know you will too!”
Pamela D.
West Roxbury, MA
“a Blade of Grass transformed our front yard from a barren wasteland of wood chips to a stunningly gorgeous garden. In late 2012, we embarked on a major project to rebuild our backyard and add a pool and patio. The result far exceeded our expectations. Heather and her crew maintain all of our gardens throughout the year, and are very responsive to our questions and requests.”
John H.
Weston, MA
“When designing the space Tom considered every detail including privacy concerns, colors, the reuse of existing plants, our likes and dislikes, cost, placement and size of walkways and stairs, shape of pool deck and where snow would be plowed in the winter. The result is a yard we enjoy all year-round. Since its design, the maintenance team at a Blade of Grass has maintained the yard's beauty.”
Dave H.
Waltham, MA
“Joanna had an encyclopedic knowledge of every plant we looked at. The installation crew led by Joel was also terrific. In fact, despite oppressive heat, they removed some old stones in the way and used them to repair and extend a fallen wall - a really thoughtful touch that went above and beyond the plan.” 
Betty T.
Lincoln, MA

do you need some privacy?

Contact us today to discuss how our award-winning landscape designers, gardeners, installation, and maintenance teams can create a privacy screening solution suited to your property.
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