Backyard Safety Facing Apt Complex
hi folks. we just bought a very nice brickstone in sunset park but out our 50ft backyard are facing a large 6story brick apartment bldg that looks out and down on our yard. we want enough privacy to prevent our new, and many, neighbors from persistently leering down at our many small children and calculating…
hi folks. we just bought a very nice brickstone in sunset park but out our 50ft backyard are facing a large 6story brick apartment bldg that looks out and down on our yard. we want enough privacy to prevent our new, and many, neighbors from persistently leering down at our many small children and calculating god knows what. we thought about 12ft wood fences with wires and vines across, like squash vines and such to entirely block out the view (of course we’d have to get used to living in a sheltered in backyard, but so be it) … any other thoughts on how to assure our privacy and safety? any suggestions on which landscapers to use to do this? thanks!
Your neighbors may come to hate you if you plant bamboo directly into the ground. Use pots, it’s very invasive.
Try Bamboo. It takes up less space than a tree, grows fast and create a curtain effect.
I guess my thing is that safety and privacy often work in opposition to one another.
If you go and create a very secluded backyard, you’ll create a place where teenagers are interested in jumping your fence and taking advantage of your seclusion to do things like smoke dope and have sex. Your backyard also becomes more vulnerable to breakins–theives love privacy and seclusion.
I understand the desire for privacy, but it hasn’t anything to do with safety…
We have a similar situation. There is a 5-story apt. bldg. that overlooks our backyard. We have youg children, but never worry about it. I bet the neighbors are more concerned with our looking in their windows. They always seem to have closed blinds or curtains. I just think of it like those Manhattan buildings where everyone is all “Rear Window.” Seriously, who cares? People probably have better things to do with their time than look at your backyard all day. We have also made a point of getting to know our neighbors. Very nice people.
Ignore 11:24’s ignoring of 10:47..
I too got the same “Eww” when you said leerign neighbors and kids..granted we live in a cisk world but I cannot imagine that would be the first thing to come to mind when considering privacy for a backyard..
Im confused..when you purchased the property did you know the building was there or has it gone up since then?
In any case I like the tree ideas as silly as it may sound to wait 2 or 3 years for a decent enough coverage..In the mean time..Im pretty sure there are rules regarding how high a fence you can put up and surely 12 ft is a no no..in any case what wouuld that do for a 6 story or 60+ foot building’s view anyway..
In the mean time plant the trees asap(location is everything and type of tree is even more important) perhaps something thats “livley” year round and doesnt make a mess with leaves..and while those are growing buy one big or perhaps 2 smaller “tents”..like those used for party’s ans such for as much coverage as you can get..go expensive with heavy material so that you can leave it up for long periods..and of course place them so your trees get enough light..you can then move these once the trees start getting up there..
Ignore 10:47. Do what you need to to feel comfortable in your backyard. I like the tree idea.
Where do you live that you need to protect your kids from persistently leering neighbors that are calculating god knows what? Ew.
I have used Bill Logan from Urban Arborists to do work at my place — they cut down a huge but sick maple and have taken care of my other monster tree. They do landscaping and plantings and are on State Street. Very knowledgeable. Workers are amazing – nice people and very professional.
Good luck with your new house.
Consider trees instead of an overhead vine. It may take a year or two to do the trick — but will provide a screen without having to live under a tent. Many trees grow up and then canopy out. I’ve had great luck with BBG (Brooklyn Botanic Garden)’s hotline to ask particulars. I’ll ask around on my block about arborists and post recommendations later.