Privacy Plants for a Deck or Patio

Add privacy plants around your deck or patio to provide a decorative feature and to shield your outdoor living space from unwanted eyes. Using container plants, plant boxes, decorative pots and other items, you can design a beautiful “living privacy wall” to your outdoor space.

Design Considerations

Let your objective determine what kinds of privacy plants you use. You may want total privacy, to block views from certain areas, or just to create a decorative feature.

Also consider the height you need for the level of privacy desired. A raised deck will need less of a height of screening than a patio at ground level. Also, a raised-deck does not have the soil planting area to grow deep-rooted plants. Keep in mind the growth rate of the plants you choose.

Ground Level Patio

If your patio is at ground level or just 1 to 2 feet above the ground, you can include any type of privacy plant around the perimeter. A plant that grows tall with a narrow profile would be best so it will not take over the patio, especially if you have a wall or railing surrounding the patio. Remember to plan for future growth as well.

Decide if you need year-round privacy or just throughout the summer months. There are two main types of plants, deciduous and evergreen. A deciduous plant loses its leaves annually, mostly in the winter months. If you want to maintain the privacy all year, this will be a problem when the plant is bare of leaves. An evergreen, on the other hand, keeps it foliage all year. As old growth falls off, new growth will fill in and continue to provide privacy for your deck or patio.

Trellis Partitions

A trellis covered with climbing plants or vines can be a beautiful decorative choice. Add benches and flower boxes to help support the trellis frame and add to the overall design. Trellises can be made of wood that is either painted or left in its natural state or is painted.

There are also plastic and resin products that can last longer and call for less maintenance. For a decorative idea, you can leave spaces between trellis sections and place a large planting box or pot with a slow-growing tree. Attach lightweight planting boxes with flowering plants to the trellis at different heights to add another decorative touch. A lattice trellis partition will also provide privacy while allowing for easier air movement.

Lower Growing Plants

If you do not need the tall height of privacy screening, go with planter boxes with shrubs. Choose planters that are a few feet high with castor wheels installed underneath for easy movement during maintenance. Include a lower planter box with flowing plants to add some color and style as well.

Tree Boxes

If you do not need total privacy, consider larger tree planting boxes. Trees with full foliage can add a nice privacy barrier without totally blocking the view or a welcome breeze on a warm night.