When the family moved in, there were overgrown junipers at the side of the house that were actually growing into the street. It took constant pruning to keep them corralled. Eventually, they removed them because the pruning was too much work and the shrubs were a safety hazard. Now they'd like to replant something that will give them privacy year round. When replanting the area, they would like the new plant materials to be located farther away from the street.
Nancy and Darrin also have revamped their patio and it has become a much more useable space. The family spends a lot of time there together and they would like to see more color around it.
Gardening Challenge
Required Project Time
The Planting for Privacy project took one day to complete. The DIY team a lot of time by using heavy machinery to dig up the yard before the project began. You can save time yourself by renting a small excavator for about $150 per day.
Project Details
- The Planting for Privacy plan features numerous shrubs that will eventually provide a privacy screen from the street and from the patio where the family spends a lot of time.
- Some of the shrubs, which are being installed where the junipers once were, will be planted at least 10 feet from the street to alleviate the problem of pruning and possible safety hazards. They also will eventually provide privacy.
- The shrubs and trees were chosen with interest, color and height in mind.
Dollars and Sense
We used 20 plants in Hardiness Zone 6.
- The most expensive plant was the magnolia tree. It cost $90.
- The least expensive plants were the filler plants. The dwarf fountain grass was less than $10.
Plant prices may vary by zone.
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