Your backyard should be a private retreat—a place to relax, entertain, or enjoy quiet moments without feeling like you’re on display. If you’re dealing with close neighbors, busy streets, or open lots, enhancing your privacy is probably at the top of your list. The good news is that it doesn’t take a fortress wall to create a secluded space. With the right combination of smart fencing and thoughtful landscaping, you can enjoy both privacy and style.
At Liberty Fence in Fargo, ND, we help homeowners create beautiful, functional backyards that feel like their own personal oasis. Let’s look at practical and creative ways to maximize privacy in your outdoor space.
Start with the Right Fence: Design Options That Do More Than Block Views
1. Board-on-Board Fencing
This classic privacy fence features overlapping vertical boards that eliminate gaps. Unlike a standard stockade fence, the overlapping boards maintain full coverage even when the wood naturally shrinks with age.
- Best for: Full privacy without sacrificing airflow
- Bonus: Looks finished on both sides, which is great if neighbors share the view
2. Horizontal Slat Fencing
Horizontal fencing offers a more modern aesthetic and can be adjusted for varying degrees of privacy depending on the spacing between boards.
- Best for: Contemporary homes or updated outdoor living areas
- Material Options: Wood for warmth, composite for low maintenance
3. Louvered Fence Panels
Louvered fences are built with angled slats that allow air and light to pass through while still obstructing direct lines of sight.
- Best for: Semi-private areas like patios or decks
- Ideal for: Homeowners who want airflow but still value privacy
4. Decorative Privacy Screens
For smaller sections or focal points—like a hot tub or seating area—a decorative screen can provide privacy and visual interest. These panels often feature laser-cut designs or lattice work.
- Best for: Sectioned-off areas within a larger yard
- Pro tip: Combine with climbing plants for added natural coverage
5. Vinyl Privacy Fencing
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance option that holds up in harsh weather, vinyl is a great choice. It’s available in full-privacy styles and in a variety of colors to match your home’s aesthetic.
- Best for: Long-term durability with minimal upkeep
- Great for Fargo weather: Won’t rot, warp, or peel
Combine Fencing with Landscaping for Next-Level Privacy
Fencing creates the foundation, but landscaping adds depth, softness, and natural beauty to your privacy plan. Here’s how to pair the two effectively:
1. Planting Hedges or Trees Along the Fence Line
Strategic planting along your fence adds an extra layer of seclusion. Dense hedges like arborvitae or tall grasses like pampas provide seasonal coverage and reduce visibility.
- Tip: Space plants according to their mature width to ensure full coverage
- Bonus: They can also block noise and wind
2. Use Raised Planters or Built-In Beds
Add height and visual interest while increasing privacy by installing raised garden beds or planters along your fence.
- Great for: Flowering plants, shrubs, or climbing vines
- Extra benefit: Easier gardening access and more visual variety
3. Train Climbing Plants on Trellises or Fences
Vines like clematis, ivy, or climbing roses grow beautifully on trellises and can transform a basic fence into a living privacy wall.
- Pair with: Lattice or slatted fencing for easy climbing
- Maintenance: Annual pruning helps control overgrowth
4. Incorporate Pergolas or Shade Structures
A pergola with privacy screens or drapery panels can provide shelter and privacy for a specific deck or patio space. Add climbing plants for extra coverage.
- Perfect for: Outdoor dining or lounging areas
Smart Layout: Design Your Yard with Privacy in Mind
Even with a great fence and thoughtful landscaping, how you arrange your outdoor space matters.
1. Create “Rooms” Within Your Yard
Use fencing, planters, or screens to divide your yard into zones. This not only improves privacy but also makes your backyard feel more usable and intentional.
- Example: A cozy nook with a bench and privacy screen away from the main seating area
2. Face Seating Areas Away from High-Traffic Zones
If you’re placing a patio or fire pit, orient it so it’s facing inward toward your yard—not toward a neighbor’s house or busy street.
- Even better: Combine this with plantings or decorative panels as a backdrop
Don’t Forget Local Regulations
Before installing a privacy fence or making significant changes to your landscaping, check local ordinances and HOA rules in Fargo or your specific neighborhood. Liberty Fence can assist with permitting and ensure your design complies with all local codes.
Privacy Without Compromise
You don’t have to give up style to gain privacy. With the right combination of fencing and landscaping, your backyard can feel like a private escape—perfect for unwinding, entertaining, or spending time with family.
At Liberty Fence, we’ve helped countless homeowners in Fargo, ND, design fences and outdoor spaces that feel secure, stylish, and completely custom. Whether you want a modern privacy fence, a classic wood design, or a custom solution tailored to your space, we’re here to help.
