I own a custom landscape design and installation company that works primarily in Castle Rock, and Castle Pines, Colorado and I do mostly new build installations. My experience as a designer has focused on concrete patios, sod, and artificial turf shapes but I'm trying to grow in my knowledge and use of different plants. I've got a selection of trees that I regularly use and a couple shrubs and grasses that I use. A common problem that I encounter with customers is their house backs up to another house and they have a vinyl fence that is see through. What are some good shrubs that I can use to add to give privacy at the back of a property? I've attached a website link for reference as well as a pic. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

https://customlandscapesbydesi...

Ilex, viburnum, dogwood-red or yellow twig give winter interest, beautyberry. There are many more.

Here are a couple links to help.

https://extension.colostate.ed...

https://denvergardeners.wordpr...

With a fence, also, you can put up a trellis next to it and use that for both edible and decorative plants. Ivies, beans, pickles, morning glories and that kind of thing in the short term; berries, honeysuckle, wisteria and grapes over time.

Easy care Oleander . Check out the Oleander thread.
The thread "Oleander Thread" in Trees and Shrubs forum

Oleander is beautiful, and quite fast growing.
You might also consider something edible, like service berry, choke cherry or miracle berry. The plants are pretty, the flowers smell nice and attract bees; the fruit is good to eat and attracts birds.

You may want to do your research on oleander before any decision is made. Yes they are quite beautiful, but they are described as highly toxic in the plant database, here on the NGA. As toxic as they are described here, there's a risk of tragic results for toddlers/children and pets who are able to access it through that very open fence, if it's close enough to the fence. Additionally, the neighbors may not be aware of the toxicity of oleander. It could result in a lawsuit against the homeowner. I personally would not want oleander in my landscape. It's too risky for children and animals in my own family and in the neighborhood.

Popular erecta or Swedish popular. Have used these populars to good affect, they grow fast, and the very narrow habit of this tree brings a very elegant look. It also looks good planted individually.
The autumnal colour is really lovely.

Autumn colour in the pic.
John

It's good to see that you are expanding your knowledge of plants. I recommend considering excellent shrubs such as emerald green arborvitae, Leyland cypress, or Privet. They are known for creating a green screen that effectively blocks the view. I chose Nellie Stevens Hollys for my home because they require minimal maintenance while still having dense foliage.

bloominholes2fill said: You may want to do your research on oleander before any decision is made. Yes they are quite beautiful, but they are described as highly toxic in the plant database, here on the NGA.

I had it as houseplant for years and our cats and dogs were not the least bit interested in tasting it. I also saw many very big ones as border plants in California and Mexico. But it wouldn't be my first choice for outdoors, and it probably wouldn't thrive in Colorado anyway. I think maybe Saskatoon berry, privet or plain old cedar.

I like the poplar erecta or there is a narrow, tall variety of service berry that would be great at blocking out the neighbor in the back. Then I would put a rounder shorter variety of crabapple, elderberry, etc., to block out the other house. Lastly, I would alternate bushes varying in color, texture and size, with flowering clematis or climbing roses to fill in the gaps. Climbing roses and vegetables are nice if the owner is into minimal work. I like the idea of creating a green fence out of fruit trees that grow flat against a wall or fence. I am planting a green fence around my backyard this year. There are so many options depending on what the owner wants to put into it and get out of it.

You have many options when selecting shrubs to add privacy at the back of a property. Some good shrubs to consider that offer privacy include Ilex, viburnum, dogwood-red and yellow twig. Oleander is a fast-growing option, while edible options are also available such as serviceberry, choke cherry, or miracle berry. Consider setting up a trellis next to the fence and planting ivies, beans, pickles, morning glories, berries, honeysuckle, wisteria, and grapes for a long-term effect.