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Foliage Fortress: Maximizing Privacy in Your Backyard with Trees

Do you have an open backyard where neighbors can watch you when you’re entertaining? Do you live near commercial properties or a busy highway where you want noise control?

Then, you want to add trees and shrubs to your property as a foliage fortress that provides cover from prying eyes while acting as a noise buffer.

Choosing the Right Plants for Your Privacy Screen

It all starts with a landscape design. Consider your growing zone, water source, and sunlight if you want your trees and shrubs to act as a privacy screen.

You also need to consider your overall landscaping plan. How will these trees and shrubs look at full maturity? How can you add a privacy screen that doesn’t make your property look unbalanced?


When considering your master landscape design, you must evaluate the area where you’ll be planting these woody plants.

Below are some additional factors to consider when buying the right plants for your privacy screen based on the article “Using Trees and Shrubs for Privacy and Wind Screening” by Penn State Extension:
  • Plant different trees and shrubs
  • Use natural-looking cluster planting or staggered row plantings
  • Grow multiple rows of staggered trees and shrubs, especially if you have a lot of acreage
  • Don’t forget to add a focal tree with colorful foliage, bright-colored fruit, and winter interest
  • Consider space limitations, such as hardscapes, sidewalks, roads, and driveways
  • Evaluate soil type, drainage, and soil pH before you buy any trees and shrubs
  • Know how to properly plant trees and shrubs or hire a landscaping company to plant them for you.

Other factors to consider when buying the right plants for your privacy screen include
  • How long will it take the shrubs and trees to grow?
  • What are the plants' maintenance needs?
  • Are the shrubs and trees prone to any diseases or insects?
  • What’s the size of each plant at maturity? Will the space look overcrowded in 10 years?
  • Does the area where you plan on planting trees and shrubs for privacy have the soil that these plants need, or do you need to amend it?

Innovative Irrigation Solutions for Your Privacy Plants

One part of a successful privacy fence with trees and shrubs is a water source that delivers consistent watering at the root level. Consider pressure-compensating tree bubblers, which are perfect for watering trees and shrubs.

Tree bubblers have small irrigation heads that bubble over and flood the ground surface around trees and shrubs. The water percolates deep into the tree’s root ball, which consists of plant roots and dirt at the base.

Tree bubblers help tree and shrub roots grow a deep root system while eliminating runoff and water waste.

Designing Your Backyard for Maximum Privacy and Aesthetics

Again, you want a mixture of shrubs, trees, ornamental grasses, and other perennials for your privacy screen. Consider using a variety of plant sizes, textures, and seasonal colors, including winter interest.

When you use a variety of shrubs, trees, and other perennials for a privacy screen and a noise buffer, you create a biodiverse landscape that can also serve as a focal point.

And when you plant them in clusters, when one plant dies, there won’t be a hole in your privacy screen.

Think about organizing your woody plants by mimicking nature's grouping approach, using several asymmetrical rows. Plant many staggered rows of trees and shrubs if you want a fortress wall look. This design helps homeowners with larger properties needing a windscreen and a noise buffer.

Next, you need to space your trees and shrubs to provide the privacy you crave while not overcrowding these plants as they mature. For example, knowing how tall and wide each plant gets at maturity determines how they’ll be spaced in your landscape.

Finally, learn how to plant trees and shrubs. Buying trees and shrubs is a significant investment, and you want to ensure they live long.

Also, remember that fall is the best time to plant trees because the roots can get established before the following summer begins. Here are some tips for growing healthy trees:
  • When planting trees, ensure that the base of the trunk flare is partially visible.
  • Dig a hole for the tree that’s more wide than deep. The width should be 2-3 times that of the root ball, and the depth should be the same as the root ball.
  • Remove wrappings from the root ball and trunk so roots can spread in the soil. Conversely, cut off the wire basket or up to two rings so the roots can grow into the soil. Prune the roots if they’re circling and expose the trunk flare.
  • Remember that most of the tree’s root system will develop in the top 12” soil. If you plant the tree too deeply, you risk tree damage and disease.
  • Put the tree at the proper height into the hole. Ensure you lift the tree at the root ball, not the trunk. Before backfilling, have your partner check from different angles that the tree is straight.
  • Backfill the hole and pat the soil down gently to remove any air pockets. Pack soil around the root ball to keep it stable. Stake the tree only if needed.
  • Water the tree well. You must continue watering your young trees daily for the first two weeks. Then, wet your trees every two to three days for the third to 12th weeks or until the ground freezes.
  • Use tree bubblers on a timer to water the trees slowly.
  • To keep moisture in the soil and to protect against winter freeze/thaw cycles, add 2-3” of mulch at the tree’s base. Do not pile mulch against the trunk, which could lead to disease and pest infestations.

Summing Up

If you want to add privacy and a noise buffer, consider planting trees and shrubs in multiple clusters, staggering the plantings for a natural look.

Give your young trees and shrubs a head start by planting them in the fall when temperatures are cooler, giving the root system time to get established before the following summer.

Also, use tree bubblers to water shallow tree roots. Apply mulch to keep the moisture in the soil and protect from winter’s freeze/thaw cycles.

How K-Rain Tree Bubblers Give Your Trees and Shrubs the Water They Need at The Right Time

Water conservation is on everybody’s mind, especially with strict municipality restrictions and the high cost of using city water. Conserve water and see your water bills decrease when investing in K-Rain Sprinkler System Products.

Specifically, tree bubblers keep woody plants well-hydrated without wasting water.

Discover our tree bubblers at our online store, or buy K-Rain products at The Home Depot and Lowe's for an easy shopping experience.

If you prefer an irrigation contractor to install your K-Rain tree bubblers, find one on our website.

For assistance with K-Rain irrigation products, contact our customer service team at 800-735-7246 or email us at customerservice@krain.com.

Sources:
Extension.PSU.edu, Using Trees and Shrubs for Privacy and Wind Screening.
Extension.UMN.edu, Watering Newly Planted Trees and Shrubs.
TreesAreGood.org, Planting a Tree.
Written by K-Rain
11/20/2023
Yard with trees used as a fence

Foliage Fortress: Maximizing Privacy in Your Backyard with Trees

Do you have an open backyard where neighbors can watch you when you’re entertaining? Do you live near commercial properties or a busy highway where you want noise control?

Then, you want to add trees and shrubs to your property as a foliage fortress that provides cover from prying eyes while acting as a noise buffer.

Choosing the Right Plants for Your Privacy Screen

It all starts with a landscape design. Consider your growing zone, water source, and sunlight if you want your trees and shrubs to act as a privacy screen.

You also need to consider your overall landscaping plan. How will these trees and shrubs look at full maturity? How can you add a privacy screen that doesn’t make your property look unbalanced?


When considering your master landscape design, you must evaluate the area where you’ll be planting these woody plants.

Below are some additional factors to consider when buying the right plants for your privacy screen based on the article “Using Trees and Shrubs for Privacy and Wind Screening” by Penn State Extension:
  • Plant different trees and shrubs
  • Use natural-looking cluster planting or staggered row plantings
  • Grow multiple rows of staggered trees and shrubs, especially if you have a lot of acreage
  • Don’t forget to add a focal tree with colorful foliage, bright-colored fruit, and winter interest
  • Consider space limitations, such as hardscapes, sidewalks, roads, and driveways
  • Evaluate soil type, drainage, and soil pH before you buy any trees and shrubs
  • Know how to properly plant trees and shrubs or hire a landscaping company to plant them for you.

Other factors to consider when buying the right plants for your privacy screen include
  • How long will it take the shrubs and trees to grow?
  • What are the plants' maintenance needs?
  • Are the shrubs and trees prone to any diseases or insects?
  • What’s the size of each plant at maturity? Will the space look overcrowded in 10 years?
  • Does the area where you plan on planting trees and shrubs for privacy have the soil that these plants need, or do you need to amend it?

Innovative Irrigation Solutions for Your Privacy Plants

One part of a successful privacy fence with trees and shrubs is a water source that delivers consistent watering at the root level. Consider pressure-compensating tree bubblers, which are perfect for watering trees and shrubs.

Tree bubblers have small irrigation heads that bubble over and flood the ground surface around trees and shrubs. The water percolates deep into the tree’s root ball, which consists of plant roots and dirt at the base.

Tree bubblers help tree and shrub roots grow a deep root system while eliminating runoff and water waste.

Designing Your Backyard for Maximum Privacy and Aesthetics

Again, you want a mixture of shrubs, trees, ornamental grasses, and other perennials for your privacy screen. Consider using a variety of plant sizes, textures, and seasonal colors, including winter interest.

When you use a variety of shrubs, trees, and other perennials for a privacy screen and a noise buffer, you create a biodiverse landscape that can also serve as a focal point.

And when you plant them in clusters, when one plant dies, there won’t be a hole in your privacy screen.

Think about organizing your woody plants by mimicking nature's grouping approach, using several asymmetrical rows. Plant many staggered rows of trees and shrubs if you want a fortress wall look. This design helps homeowners with larger properties needing a windscreen and a noise buffer.

Next, you need to space your trees and shrubs to provide the privacy you crave while not overcrowding these plants as they mature. For example, knowing how tall and wide each plant gets at maturity determines how they’ll be spaced in your landscape.

Finally, learn how to plant trees and shrubs. Buying trees and shrubs is a significant investment, and you want to ensure they live long.

Also, remember that fall is the best time to plant trees because the roots can get established before the following summer begins. Here are some tips for growing healthy trees:
  • When planting trees, ensure that the base of the trunk flare is partially visible.
  • Dig a hole for the tree that’s more wide than deep. The width should be 2-3 times that of the root ball, and the depth should be the same as the root ball.
  • Remove wrappings from the root ball and trunk so roots can spread in the soil. Conversely, cut off the wire basket or up to two rings so the roots can grow into the soil. Prune the roots if they’re circling and expose the trunk flare.
  • Remember that most of the tree’s root system will develop in the top 12” soil. If you plant the tree too deeply, you risk tree damage and disease.
  • Put the tree at the proper height into the hole. Ensure you lift the tree at the root ball, not the trunk. Before backfilling, have your partner check from different angles that the tree is straight.
  • Backfill the hole and pat the soil down gently to remove any air pockets. Pack soil around the root ball to keep it stable. Stake the tree only if needed.
  • Water the tree well. You must continue watering your young trees daily for the first two weeks. Then, wet your trees every two to three days for the third to 12th weeks or until the ground freezes.
  • Use tree bubblers on a timer to water the trees slowly.
  • To keep moisture in the soil and to protect against winter freeze/thaw cycles, add 2-3” of mulch at the tree’s base. Do not pile mulch against the trunk, which could lead to disease and pest infestations.

Summing Up

If you want to add privacy and a noise buffer, consider planting trees and shrubs in multiple clusters, staggering the plantings for a natural look.

Give your young trees and shrubs a head start by planting them in the fall when temperatures are cooler, giving the root system time to get established before the following summer.

Also, use tree bubblers to water shallow tree roots. Apply mulch to keep the moisture in the soil and protect from winter’s freeze/thaw cycles.

How K-Rain Tree Bubblers Give Your Trees and Shrubs the Water They Need at The Right Time

Water conservation is on everybody’s mind, especially with strict municipality restrictions and the high cost of using city water. Conserve water and see your water bills decrease when investing in K-Rain Sprinkler System Products.

Specifically, tree bubblers keep woody plants well-hydrated without wasting water.

Discover our tree bubblers at our online store, or buy K-Rain products at The Home Depot and Lowe's for an easy shopping experience.

If you prefer an irrigation contractor to install your K-Rain tree bubblers, find one on our website.

For assistance with K-Rain irrigation products, contact our customer service team at 800-735-7246 or email us at customerservice@krain.com.

Sources:
Extension.PSU.edu, Using Trees and Shrubs for Privacy and Wind Screening.
Extension.UMN.edu, Watering Newly Planted Trees and Shrubs.
TreesAreGood.org, Planting a Tree.
Written by K-Rain
11/20/2023
Yard with trees used as a fence