--- title: "3 Easy Ways to Preserve Your Yard’s Privacy as Leaves Fall" description: "From making strategic planting decisions to building a privacy screen, we’ve got you covered with ideas that can limit your neighbors’ view." date: "2026-09-13" modified: "2026-09-13" authors: - name: "Sandi Schwartz" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/sandi-schwartz.md" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/lawn-and-garden/fall-yard-privacy/" categories: - "Landscaping" - "Lawn & Garden" --- # 3 Easy Ways to Preserve Your Yard’s Privacy as Leaves Fall ![Backyard with wooden house and green hedge for privacy.]() *Photo: Aleksandr Khmeliov via Shutterstock* As foliage thins during autumn, you may crave some additional privacy to prevent neighbors from peeking over at you while you are relaxing with a good book or enjoying a cookout in your backyard. But if you prefer a more open feel, then you probably want to avoid fencing yourself in. Fortunately, there are several ways to achieve fall yard privacy in a natural, airy way. From making strategic planting decisions to building an attractive privacy screen, we’ve got you covered with ideas that can limit your neighbors’ view. ## 1. Select Evergreen Trees and Plants Plant selection plays a major role when it comes to privacy. Deciduous trees and [shrubs]() lose their leaves in fall, creating a “fishbowl” effect through winter in which neighbors can get a clear view of your yard. “The best way to create privacy from a design standpoint is to select evergreen trees strategically for their height and to create a layered privacy barrier,” says Ward Dilmore, founder and head landscape designer at [Petrus Landscaping]() in San Francisco, California. Whether you choose a privacy hedge or a [dense tree barrier](), evergreen plants retain their foliage year-round to create a natural privacy screen. “Varieties like juniper, holly, [boxwood](), cypress, and laurel arborvitae are great choices,” explains Mirela Bajic, senior garden designer at [House Designer]() in London, England. These types of trees are slow to mature and are known to form a softening boundary. Other ideas include oaks, redwoods, English laurels, and pittosporum in the western United States, and spruces, pines, and firs on the East Coast. Layering plants in multiple tiers is one of the best ways to create a dense privacy shield. “For a layering effect, it’s best to start with your [large privacy trees](),” recommends Dilmore. They can be planted in either one or two rows, depending on how much room there is in the yard. “Then select a large shrub to plant in front of your evergreen trees, which will provide privacy at eye level.” Finally, you can add garden beds in front. ![Green Climbing Vine Growing All Over Metal Grid Trellis]() *Photo: Anna Hoychuk via Shutterstock* ## 2. Build a Trellis or Pergola If you don’t want to wait for plants and trees to reach the height necessary for privacy, consider installing a [trellis or pergola]() in your yard. “Structures like pergolas and trellises are another option if you are looking for immediate privacy with a more formal structure,” says Dilmore. “These can be installed fairly quickly and can then have an evergreen vine growing on them to create a more natural privacy screen.” A trellis usually consists of a square or rectangular wooden frame with an inset grid made from a wide variety of materials, including chain link or wire mesh, nylon string or natural twine, or interwoven sticks or bamboo stalks. It is quite versatile, as it can stand alone or connect to an existing structure, such as a wall or a fence. The structure interrupts sight lines, while still allowing breezes and sunlight to pass through. By adorning your trellis with vines, vegetables, and other plants, you’ll get even more privacy. Pergolas are [another privacy option](). Typically constructed of wood, this outdoor structure consists of posts, beams, and rafters. Pergolas are open, so in order to achieve the most privacy possible, consider choosing one with privacy slats on the sides and on the rafters. You can also hang curtains, add lattice to the sides, or grow vines to increase coverage. ## 3. Install a Privacy Screen Standalone privacy screens made from wood, metal, or upcycled materials are another fantastic way to block unwanted views while adding a touch of style to your outdoor space. You can easily use them to divide your yard into separate functional areas, like separating a cozy seating spot from an outdoor dining area. To get even more out of them, look for screens with built-in planters to create an attractive living wall or shelves to display outdoor decor. You can also choose portable or lightweight screens on wheels to give you the flexibility to shift your setup around whenever you host friends or need extra shade. ![Wooden patio sofa, chair and table arranged beside perforated privacy screen.]() *Photo: Barmaleeva via Shutterstock* ## Author Sandi Schwartz is an environmental author and freelance journalist with over 20 years of extensive experience communicating science-based information to diverse audiences in the areas of sustainability, home/garden, green living, nature, and wellness. Sandi began writing for BobVila.com in June 2022. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]()