1. GET CREATIVE WITH HARDSCAPING
Creative hardscaping might be your best bet for concealing those less attractive backyard features. "Berms" are one way that designers create height to stop a yard feeling flat, but it can also help hide unsightly elements, too. Landscaping berms are mounded hills of soil that raise the ground in your garden for extra curvature. It's an easy task to undertake too, you might just need some soil and new turf to disguise a certain aspect of the space.
2. CONSIDER INCORPORATING WATER
Water is a wonderful element to embrace in your backyard. Water engages your senses and brings a feeling of calm. Instead of focusing on the visuals of your backyard, by incorporating another sense - sound - into the space, you will help distract any unloved parts of the garden. Plus, it will help pull your ear away from unwanted noises, whether that's cars or neighbors.
3. DISTRACT THROUGH COLOR
Another way to downplay your yard's worst features is to emphasize the color and texture. Pick colorful backyard plants that distract the eye and choose furniture that unites the space with a cohesive scheme. 'Utilizing color and texture and creating a landscape with vibrant tones will help to hold the gaze of the viewer,' says Cate. 'Playing with contrasting colors and textures can also create depth in the landscape and draw attention away from the unattractive elements.'
4. THINK ABOUT THE VIEW
Just like with your interiors, sometimes the easiest solution might be to rearrange the space so that the focus is elsewhere. 'Concentrate on the spatial arrangement of the garden elements,' says Alexander Symes of Alexander Symes Architect.
5. INVEST IN A PRIVACY SCREENS
A privacy screen can be neatly placed in your backyard to meet your privacy needs, but it also has the added benefit of distracting from an unsightly feature of your outdoor space.
6. USE PLANTS TO YOUR ADVANTAGE
If you're trying to hide a neighbor's unsightly wall or block an offending view, it might be best to rely on nature to help conceal the eyesore. Alexander recommends using clever plantings to wind their way up your wall to help cover it and distract the eye. 'If you have a large wall you could consider a plant that might cover it directly like Ficus pumila (also known as Creeping Fig, which you can shop at Amazon) or Parthenocissus tricuspidate (Boston Ivy, like this variety from Walmart).'
7. AND CONCEAL WITH TALL TREES AND SHRUBS
Look for shrubs, trees and pick from the best flowering bushes for privacy too. 'Strategic placement of screening trees and shrubs is a good idea,' says Cate. 'Large, dense evergreen trees and shrubs can be utilized to screen a variety of problem areas in the yard whether it is a utility, power lines, or even issues on the façade of the residence.'