If you are looking for ways to increase privacy for your southwest desert home, you may have found that growing hedges are challenging, since plants take years to grow to a height sufficient for creating a good screen. You may also be looking for ways to screen out not-so-nice views, such as your neighbor’s shed, or your air conditioning unit visible from the street, and not sure about the fastest way to go about it. Certainly, using plants as living screens is an aesthetic way to screen objectionable views or create privacy, but there are other options, including temporary ones, that perform much quicker.
Using Fences for Screens
Fences are an investment, and depending on the materials and the look you want to achieve, vary in cost considerably. While wood fencing is more aesthetic by far than chain link; it also suffers from the dry heat and termite damage common in desert climates. Even redwood and cedar, touted as insect resistant, need regular treatment to prevent rot and termite damage.
Although chain link is expensive, it is weather and insect-proof and will last many years. Skip the aluminum slats sold to turn chain link fence into a screen. This is fine for junk yards, but very unattractive for your home. To turn a chain link fence into a screen and soften the harsh effect, grow vines over the fence. Since vines are faster growing than shrubs, they will cover the fence within a couple of years. Just make sure you pick a vine hardy for your climate zone, and one that is evergreen and can take the sun exposure orientation. A deciduous species will leave you without a screen in the winter.
Temporary Screen Options
Another way to hide the industrial look of chain link or other metal wire fencing is attaching reed, ocotillo, sahuaro rib or bamboo fence. Ocotillo and sahuaro rib fences last for years. Just don’t harvest plant parts from State land without a permit. Reed fence does not last as long as bamboo, but it is much less expensive. All need wiring securely to a strong fence in order to stand up straight and withstand wind. To keep termites from eating your natural fence, mount the fence so the bottom is not touching the ground.
Masonry Walls
Masonry walls such a block, brick or stucco over block or straw bales are the most expensive, but have the most options for aesthetic features. They also last a lifetime. Masonry walls have the most potential for decorative features including integral color, different textures and shapes, and the ability to add other materials such as glass or ceramic tile. You can add color to stucco walls using outdoor latex paint.
Any or all of these screening features can fill in the gap while waiting for shrubs to grow into a living screen, or provide screening without plants. The one you choose depends on your budgetary and time constraints.
Adding Shade to Desert Landscaping: Beyond Trees
Outdoor Seating Ideas Beyond the Traditional
Making the Most of Color in your Backyard