15 Simple Fence Line Landscaping Ideas That Won't Break the Bank

Many properties have fences for various reasons, such as privacy, security, and space definition. Installing a new fence can be expensive, and repairing one can be both costly and time-consuming. Because of this, some property owners use landscaping to enhance or camouflage existing fences.

Depending on your budget, skills, and available time, you can enhance your fence line with simple design ideas. You can even create a border without a fence by using plants. Here are some creative ideas from landscaping experts to inspire your fence line projects.

Create an Airy Pollinator Garden

Open rail fences offer numerous garden opportunities, and one of the simplest designs is planting a variety of flowering perennials. Creating a border with pavers or stones can elevate the bed slightly and make it easier to grow pollinator-friendly plants, which enhances your garden's biodiversity.

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Plant a Flowering Hedge

A dense hedge is a fantastic way to hide an unattractive fence or add privacy and structure. Ward Dilmore, a professional landscaper and designer at Petrus Landscape, recommends English laurel (also known as cherry laurel) for its fast growth and glossy, attractive leaves that form a beautiful green wall.

Create a Curving Flower Bed Border

If you want to define space without installing a fence, consider a perennial flower bed. It may not keep wandering pets (or neighbors) out, but it’s a visually appealing option. Using stone or brick for a low curving wall makes it low-maintenance.

Grow Climbing Hops on an Arbor Gate

Kim Zimmerman, a master gardener and owner of Rowdy Poppy, recommends hops as a fast-growing perennial climbing vine. Its lack of flowers means it doesn't need deadheading. Zimmerman does note that hops may attract Japanese beetles, but applying milky spores to the soil in spring can prevent that naturally.

Plant an Arborvitae Wall to Accent Tall Trees

Arborvitae shrubs are a popular choice for green fences, especially large varieties like 'Green Giant' or 'Emerald Green.' If you have mature trees in your area, consider the handsome architectural look of these evergreens, especially with colorful deciduous trees in the background.

Use Bold Colors

If you have an old wooden fence, consider painting it a bold color. Combine this with bright perennials and annuals, and you’ll have a vibrant three-season fence line garden that can cheer up anyone who sees it.

Let Flowering Shrubs Adorn an Open Rail Fence

Open rail fences dividing large open spaces are perfect for large flowering shrubs whose blooms can spill over the railings. Some long-blooming options include broadleaf hydrangeas, azaleas, dwarf rhododendrons, and weigela.

Balance Shapes, Sizes, and Function

An easy way to spice up your backyard is by combining various visual and functional elements. A row of arborvitae shrubs, a spacious herb bed edged with stones, and a hammock area create a dynamic and practical space.

Layer Low Hedges With Small Trees

Layering low-growing hedges like dwarf boxwoods and creeping junipers beside small landscape trees creates an interesting architectural look. Contrasting foliage colors can make the display even more striking.

Soften Fence Lines With Cottage Style Plantings

Cottage-style plantings can look romantic or whimsical based on your plant choices. The eye-catching textures and colors of pink roses, spiky purple catmint, and fluffy chartreuse lady's mantle can transform a basic picket fence.

Use Assorted Evergreens for a Four Season Border

Consider mixing various evergreens to create a dramatic hedge. Zimmerman recommends narrow-shaped spartan junipers, while Mary Jane Duford, a master gardener and founder of Home for the Harvest, loves columnar hornbeam trees. Evergreens come in colors ranging from deep blue to vibrant chartreuse, adding visual interest year-round.

Add Trellises for Texture and Vertical Interest

Lightweight wooden or metal trellises for flowering vines or climbing roses add vertical interest and plant support next to round shrubs.

Go for Easy Elegance With Panicle Hydrangeas

Panicle hydrangeas are ideal for planting near fences with their long-lasting, color-changing blooms. Duford suggests combining columnar oak trees with dwarf panicle hydrangeas like 'Little Lime' or 'Fire Light Tidbit' to create structure and seasonal interest.

Mix Angles With Organic Shapes

Combining straight angled wooden fence posts with octagonal pavers and lacy, freeform plants creates a dynamic and balanced look.

Try a Xeriscape Rock Garden

In warm, dry climates, xeriscaping with drought-tolerant plants can conserve water and create a beautiful fence line garden. Gravel instead of mulch pairs well with succulents, and larger rocks can add a natural, ornamental touch.

Fence line landscaping can continuously evolve or follow a long-term plan for mature plantings like trees and large shrubs. Before investing in trees, make sure to understand their mature size and maintenance needs, such as pruning and watering.

Some plants can be either large or small; for instance, Dilmore likes the Podocarpus tree, an evergreen with thick needles that can be grown as a compact shrub or larger tree. Knowing your local climate and growing conditions can help guide your choices. Zimmerman praises the columnar aspen for its seasonal beauty and suitability for high elevations in Colorado.