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Wanting some more privacy in your backyard however you do not want to shell out the insane price tag to build a fence? Do you live in an apartment and are looking for some ways to have some privacy from your neighbors when you are out on your balcony? Try some bamboo plants for privacy!
Now, there are SOO many plants out there, why bamboo plants? Bamboo plants are a great option for privacy as they are known for their insane fast growth rate, and they are one of the fastest growing plants which means you can create a privacy barrier fairly quickly compared to other plants. Also, and as you will see, bamboo plants can grow pretty densely and can provide the coverage you need for privacy from neighbors or if you live on a busy road and want a little privacy from the outdoors.
Another benefit is that bamboo plants are pretty low maintenance. They are considered drought-tolerant, resistant to pests, especially important if you are busy or not so good with taking care of outdoor plants! There are so many different varieties of bamboo plants whether you prefer tall and towering or shorter and more chunkier bamboo. In addition, temperate bamboo tends to withstand more extreme temperatures than more traditional tropical bamboo, making it a perfect addition to any home to tolerate any type of season! Lastly, there are so many different design options for bamboo, which we will go over! From privacy screens, to potted plants, to dividers…the list goes on!
If you’re into being more environmentally friendly, then bamboo plants are great because they are sustainable, can be harvested without harming the plant or environment and can be a great choice over synthetic or non-native plants.
AND lastly, because bamboo tends to be a denser type of plant, they help absorb and deflect sound which is PERFECT for reducing noise from nearby roads, neighbors, or noisy construction!
Bamboo Plants for Privacy
1. Bamboo Fencing
A privacy fence made out of bamboo can be an excellent choice to maintain good privacy. Bamboo fencing can be a great use of bamboo plants for privacy concerns. The fencing is typically constructed with tightly packed bamboo poles which can provide excellent coverage and block visibility from the outside. Make sure you put the fence in your property line!
The fencing can come in various heights, allowing you to choose the level of privacy you need!
If you’re looking to DIY a bamboo fence, then there is a great option on Amazon for this choice:
2. Bamboo Screens
Bamboo screens have a natural and outdoorsy look to them making them a perfect addition to your backyard and privacy needs! They blend well with garden environments and complement so many different outdoor decor styles!
Bamboo screens are a great choice because they can come in so many different varieties whether you prefer a smaller one underneath your pergola or a very larger one to block your next door neighbor.
They provide effective privacy by blocking the view from outside while still allowing airflow and light to pass through. This makes them ideal for creating secluded areas in your garden or outdoor living space.
High-quality bamboo screens are durable and can withstand exposure to harsh weather conditions. Properly treated bamboo screens can last for many years with minimal maintenance.
Last, not but least, they are relatively easy to install and can be attached to existing structures such as fences, walls, or pergolas using screws, zip ties, or wire. Or, you can go with a freestanding bamboo screen. This makes them a convenient option for adding privacy to your outdoor space without the need for extensive construction work.
Here is a great option for a freestanding bamboo screen that you can add to your outdoor space that is on Amazon!
3. Bamboo Hedges
Bamboo hedges can be a genius but also stunning idea to use as a way to keep privacy from neighbors especially if you live in an apartment with a balcony, or in your patio or backyard. There are so many different species of bamboo that are out there. Go for a species that you enjoy, clumping bamboos are typically preferred for hedges as they are less invasive than running bamboos and are easier to control and make them one of the best bamboo screening plants!
Determine where you want to install the bamboo hedge to create privacy. You might want to consider factors such as sunlight exposure, soil quality, and available space. for the bamboos to grow and thrive. These types of plants love sunny to partially shaded areas with well-drained soil.
4. Bamboo Pots and Planters
Another gorgeous way to use bamboo plants for privacy! Choose large and sturdy pots or planters that can accommodate the growth of bamboo plants, because they can get HUGE! Opt for containers made of durable materials such as ceramic, fiberglass, or concrete, which can withstand the weight and spread of bamboo roots.
Like mentioned earlier, there are different types of bamboo that exist. Clumping bamboo plants are a great option for privacy as they tend to get large however if you live in a smaller space or want a smaller species, opt for a dwarf species which are better suited in smaller spaces and easily managed.
If you’re looking for a taller and more dense type of bamboo species to create some privacy, species such as Bambusa multiplex ‘Alphonse Karr’ or Phyllostachys nigra (Black Bamboo) might be a great option for you.
To preface, bamboo plants in containers may require more frequent maintenance to control their growth and prevent them from becoming root-bound. Regularly pruning and thinning out the bamboo may be needed to maintain the desired height and density of the privacy screen.
In addition to bamboo plants, you can enhance privacy by adding screening elements to the containers, such as trellises, lattice panels, or fabric screens. These can provide additional coverage and we will go over this in the next point!
Lastly, a good practice would be to periodically rotate bamboo containers to ensure even growth and sun exposure. This can help prevent the plants from becoming lopsided or unevenly shaded over time.
5. Bamboo Trellises
A trellis is a structure consisting of an open framework or lattice of interwoven wooden or metal strips, wires, or bars. Typically, it’s used with climbing plants, vines, or creepers, allowing them to grow vertically and providing a nice decor element to patios, balconies, or your outdoor space!
Trellises are a perfect choice to increase privacy in your home! You can leave the lattice as is or add some plants to it to increase the privacy! Some great plant options are jasmine, ivy, or roses as they tend to be fast growing and pretty dense!
6. Mixed Plants
Especially if you have a space and want to create a beautiful and lush garden while ALSO shading your home and creating privacy, then it might be a perfect idea to mix bamboo plants with other plants or garden beds! Here are some tips that might help if you decide to go this route!
You might want to choose plants that complement bamboo in terms of growth habit, size, and aesthetics! It also might be a good idea to choose evergreen hedges that provide year-round privacy to make sure that your privacy screen remains effective throughout the seasons. Some great options include evergreen shrubs, trees, and ground covers that can fill the gaps and add some nice diversity to your garden.
Choose plants with different heights and textures to ensure maximum privacy. Placing the taller bamboo plants in the back and shorter plants in the front can be a great idea for this in regards to layering.
7. Bamboo Curtains
Bamboo curtains can also be a great idea to improve privacy in your backyard! Try to choose bamboo curtains made from durable and weather-resistant materials, such as bamboo reeds or bamboo slats woven together with sturdy cords or threads. You can use curtains with tight weaving to increase privacy while allowing some airflow in
Before buying bamboo curtains, make sure you know the dimensions of the area where you want to install the bamboo curtains to ensure that you select curtains of the appropriate size and coverage. Consider whether you need full coverage or partial coverage to create privacy.
Bamboo curtains might require a little more work to install and put up. They usually require mounting hardware, such as hooks, brackets, or tension rods, to securely attach the bamboo curtains to your backyard space Make sure the hardware is suitable for outdoor use and can withstand the full sun, wind or rain!
Also, it might be a good idea to place the curtains along the perimeter of your patio, deck, porch or pergola to enclose the space a bit and block neighbors from seeing in!
Lastly, bamboo curtains can be customized to fit different outdoor spaces! Choose curtains with adjustable features, like roll-up or retractable mechanisms, to control the level of privacy and sunlight throughout the day.
Those are some ideas on how to use bamboo plants for privacy! Bamboo plants are an excellent option to improve privacy and there are so many different bamboo variety to choose from! You can use bamboo plants if live in an apartment, townhome, or house and! Because bamboo growth is very fast unlike other plants, this can be the perfect option for privacy concerns. Let this article give you some inspo on how you can use bamboo plants for privacy in your own home!
