OCTOBER 2017 – Security and privacy are two important factors when it comes to your home. Even if you have an open-door policy and love having people over, it’s important to feel safe in your home. While there are several great designs for wood, brick, or stone fences, consider plants as an option for a security barrier.
Here are nine spectacular plants, shrubs and trees that will provide privacy and security for your home, along with adding depth and design to your landscape.
1. BAMBOO
Planting bamboo is a very easy way to create your own security fence. If you’re trying to fill in a barrier between you and your neighbor, the best type of bamboo is Clumping Bamboo. It can generally be planted at any time of year and will take a couple of years to fill in, but will ultimately provide an excellent barrier.
2. BARBERRY
Barberry is a beautiful shrub that comes in a variety of colors and has multiple benefits for your landscape. It provides not only a privacy barrier, but due to its thorns, also provides a security barrier to keep unwanted intruders out, and pets in! Barberry can also be trimmed and hedged into almost any shape you desire to add whimsy to your landscape.
3. BOXWOOD
Boxwoods are an excellent security plant due to their density. Once they have adapted to the soil, they require very low maintenance. Along with creating a security hedge, they can also be used as decorative plants elsewhere in your garden.
4. BOUGAINVILLEA
These luscious evergreen shrubs can grow to massive heights, making them an obvious choice as a security barrier. They come in different colors, are relatively easy to maintain, and are able to thrive in drought environments.
5. FLOWERING QUINCE
This beautiful shrub also comes in a variety of colors and species. Thanks to plant breeders, it is now available in three to four-foot versions, in addition to six to ten-foot versions. Properly pruned, the Flowering Quince can be used to create an excellent natural security fence.
6. CYPRESS
There are a couple of great options to choose from if you want to use a Cypress tree as a natural security barrier. Well known versions are the Italian Cypress and the Leyland Cypress. Without trimming, these varieties can grow to extraordinary heights, but are typically 40 ft high. These trees are drought tolerant and can add shade to your yard.
7. HOPSEED BUSH
The dense foliage of the Hopseed Bush makes it a great contender to be used as a security fence. It is available in a green or purple variety and can also be trimmed to the shape of a hedge.
8. JUNIPER TREES
The Juniper tree is a member of the Cypress family; however, it does not grow as tall as Cypress trees. A Juniper will typically only grow to 30ft in height if left untrimmed. Planting a row of Juniper trees helps add height to your security fence, which helps keep your yard free of prying eyes.
9. OSMANTHUS
The Osmanthus is a flowering shrub that produces dense foliage with small, fragrant flowers. It is another security plant option that is drought tolerant and thrives with little maintenance.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
If you’re interested in learning more about how plants and shrubs can enhance the security and privacy of your property, get in touch with us! Our landscape designers would be happy to evaluate your landscape and suggest some options. Please call our office at 619-579-9151 or visit our Contact Page to schedule an appointment.