1122
Visual screens
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 the Front Range.
For more information, see the following Colorado State Extension fact sheet(s).
|
