A backyard is the ultimate residential oasis, combining your own personal property with the great outdoors.

However, that serenity can be shattered when it feels like neighbors and passersby alike can peer in. The solution? Adding one or more of these privacy solutions to your space.

Fencing

In his famous poem “Mending Wall,” Robert Frost quipped, “Good fences make good neighbors.” Today, homeowners are taking Frost’s words to heart—and then some. A white picket fence has long been associated with Americana, but there are many options nowadays for going outside the classic box. Materials range from natural wood to sturdy metal or man-made and styles from open lattice to gapless privacy fences.

Pergola

If you want privacy without you and your guests feeling totally blocked in, adding a pergola to your yard may be your answer. Its open roof and wall layout add adequate seclusion while also allowing cool breezes through. For a little more separation and to keep outsiders’ eyes out, consider installing a screen or sunshade on one side.

Canopy tent

A canopy tent gives you seemingly endless options for erecting a beautiful barrier around your outdoor area. From elegant gazebo styles to simple pop-up versions, you’re sure to find one that suits both your style and your situation. You can also purchase a tent with removable side walls to maximize your options.

Hedges

Do you want to go a more natural route? Then consider adding greenery around your property. Plants like holly and boxwood make for attractive hedging, but for full coverage, nothing beats the mighty arborvitae. This evergreen is generally fast growing and can reach fifteen feet or higher in height depending on the variety. Purchase several, plant them side by side, and let Mother Nature do the rest—or buy taller ones at a garden center for instant coverage that will continue to grow.

Trees

Granted, the tallest trees may take years to grow, so this option may require some patience. That said, fast-growing trees like silver and red maple trees and hybrid poplars can add both color and adequate privacy to your yard within a year or two. And if you already have trees, arrange your decor around them, if possible, not only for privacy but also for satisfying shade.

Plants and flowers

Finally, if you have a green thumb, try growing tall plants or flowers, such as bamboo or sunflowers, along your yard’s perimeter or in raised flower beds, which would give them additional height. You could also intentionally stage your potted plants at different heights on your deck or patio to create a natural boundary.