How a Pergola and a Retaining Wall Can Provide the Right Amount of Privacy in the Millburn, NJ Area
If you are looking to create a more private outdoor space in the Millburn, NJ area, you may want to consider including a pergola and a retaining wall to your space. These two features create privacy and protection independently and by combining them you can create a higher level of seclusion that can transport you to a hidden oasis in your own backyard.
What Is a Pergola?
A pergola is typically used to provide light shade to an outdoor area. The open sides and slotted roof create dappled shade while still providing a 360-degree view of nature. When strategically placed, a pergola can provide protection to areas that are most commonly used during the heat of the day. Although primarily used for shade and as an interesting focal point, a pergola can also provide you with some additional privacy. If you have neighbors on a nearby hill or have second-story buildings that overlook your space, a strategically placed pergola can obstruct their view without altering yours.
What Are the Benefits of a Retaining Wall?
Typically used to create level areas in sloped lawns by holding back soil, a retaining wall can also be great for adding some privacy closer to eye-level. A retaining wall can not only work around your outdoor living area as a barrier but can also work between your existing features to provide some additional separation. Because a retaining wall can be built in different shapes, sizes, and designs, you can opt for a retaining wall that blends into the rest of your landscape design or create a statement piece that draws the eye.
Around the Fire Pit
If you and your loved ones enjoy spending time around a fire pit as the nights get cool, you may feel a little more exposed in the dark when you’re unable to see everything happening around you. A retaining wall can help create an alcove to nestle your fire pit in that can make it a more defined area for you and your guests to enjoy. Adding a pergola can block any overhead views, and give your space some seclusion.
Poolside Privacy
A pool is a common area for people to want some additional privacy. Whether taking a dip or sunbathing, it’s nice to know that you have a more private area to soak up the sun. A retaining wall around your pool can double as a seating area or surface to keep towels or drinks. A strategically placed pergola can help you take a break from the rays in dappled shade and also obstruct views from any areas that overlook.
Design Styles
A pergola and a retaining wall are landscape features that can be customized to blend into or enhance your landscape design. For a more rustic look, a natural wood finish pergola can blend in nicely and looks good over paver patios or in garden areas. For a more modern look, a white vinyl pergola can give a clean finish and gives a resort-like feel around the pool area.
A retaining wall can be created using natural stone or concrete. A retaining wall that is uniform and color is more likely to blend in and let other features around your landscape steal the show. To create a stand-out feature, different colored masonry blocks could be used.
Related: HOW TO UTILIZE PLANTINGS TO SOFTEN A RETAINING WALL IN THE SADDLE RIVER, NJ, AREA
About the Author
GreenNature Landscape Design offers viable solutions to our clients. We provide residential landscaping services that are innovative yet competitively priced. Why choose us? We treat each client like our only client. We have the experience and knowledge to turn your most ambitious ideas into reality. You are the driving factor in our designs. Our designs are focused on meeting your unique preferences. Let us create beautiful landscapes you can be proud of, and outdoor living spaces you can’t wait to spend time in.