A visual screen in the landscape can help create privacy and
also block out unwanted views or sounds.
The major consideration in whether to create a screen is the amount
of space you have available. Small residential landscapes may not offer
sufficient room for an effective plant screen. Even a simple hedge will
need a minimum of 3 feet for a planting bed.
If you have only a small amount of space, a vigorously growing vine
such as silver lace on wire fencing creates an effective plant screen.
Another important consideration is how dense you want your screen to
be. Plants that lose their leaves every year will create a see-through
screen, especially in the winter. Evergreen plants are more dense, while
wood or masonry block are the most dense.
The two major factors to consider if you construct a screen with wood
or masonry materials are expense and maintenance that's needed. The initial
cost of a masonry wall is higher than a plant screen. But once installed,
a masonry wall requires very little maintenance. It also blocks out sounds
much more effectively than wood or plants.
Another choice for a screen is wood, which is less permanent than masonry.
Wood may be the best choice if you need screening for only a few years
while plants mature or you need time to think about whether to add an addition
to your home.
Wood needs to be treated with a sealer to increase its lifespan and
good looks. This maintenance is vitally important in dealing with our high-altitude
sunshine. In general, masonry or stone are more environmentally appropriate
materials than wood in the high plains semi-arid climate of Colorado's
Front Range.
