Designing With Purpose: How Thoughtful Plantings Create Natural Privacy Without Sacrificing the View

One of the best things about living where we do is being surrounded by natural beauty — whether it’s rolling hills, wooded backdrops, or a peaceful lake view. And when it comes to outdoor living spaces, many of our clients want their landscape to feel like a natural extension of that scenery, not something that fights against it. 

That’s exactly what one family had in mind on a recent project. They wanted to add a little more privacy between neighboring houses without losing their beautiful view of the water. Rather than putting up a fence or heavy hedge line, we helped them create a softer, more intentional solution: designing with trees and shrubs. 

A Layered, Natural Look

We started by planting tall, deciduous trees that will eventually grow to provide light, dappled shade and a sense of separation between properties. Then, we layered in understory trees and shrubs — mimicking the natural structure you’d find in a forest. It’s a design technique we turn to often because it doesn’t just look good now; it evolves beautifully over time. 

As the years go by, these plantings will fill in, softening the edges of the property, creating cozy, shaded corners, and offering subtle privacy — all while leaving open sightlines to the lake. It’s privacy with purpose, and beauty with intention. 

Why it Works 

Besides the obvious aesthetic benefits, natural layering does a few other things really well: 

• Softens hardscapes: Patios, fire pits, and retaining walls feel more inviting when surrounded by greenery. 

• Adds character: Different textures, heights, and seasonal color shifts make the space feel alive and dynamic. 

• Protects the view: Strategic placement means you get privacy where you need it without walling yourself off from the scenery you love. 

Planters as Portable Privacy 

In areas where in-ground planting isn’t possible, or where you want flexibility, large potted planters, or raised beds are another great option. They’re perfect for patios and pool decks, offering shade, color, and subtle privacy screens you can move or swap out with the seasons. 

A Yard That Feels Like Home 

At the end of the day, this project was about giving the homeowners a landscape that worked with their lifestyle and surroundings — a space that feels welcoming, intentional, and connected to the world just beyond the backyard. 

Related: See more of our work!

If you’ve been dreaming about adding privacy, shade, or a little more character to your outdoor living space, we’d love to help design something rooted in the beauty of the natural world. Request a quote today!