Creating Privacy in Your Garden: Expert Solutions for Inner West Properties

Privacy Solutions for Inner West Gardens

Living in Sydney's Inner West offers countless benefits, but privacy often isn't one of them. With narrow lots, close neighbours, and overlooking buildings, creating a secluded outdoor retreat requires thoughtful planning and strategic solutions.

At Outdoor Blitz, we've transformed hundreds of exposed Inner West gardens into private sanctuaries. This practical guide explores proven privacy solutions that work specifically for Sydney's urban context and varying property types – from compact terraces to semi-detached homes.

Unlike general privacy advice, we'll focus on solutions that are council-compliant, suited to Sydney's climate, and can be implemented in typical Inner West properties. We'll cover immediate solutions alongside long-term options, with specific recommendations for different budgets and garden styles.

Assessing Your Privacy Needs

Before selecting privacy solutions, it's important to identify your specific challenges. In our experience working across the Inner West, these are the most common privacy concerns:

Common Inner West Privacy Challenges

• Overlooking from neighbours: Especially from two-storey homes or apartment buildings
• Street visibility: Front gardens and courtyards exposed to pedestrians and traffic
• Neighbouring entertainment areas: Adjacent outdoor spaces where neighbours gather
• Side access exposure: Narrow pathways between properties lacking privacy
• Noise intrusion: Traffic noise, construction, or neighbours' activities
• Visual clutter: Unattractive neighbouring structures or utilities

The Targeted Approach

For most Inner West properties, we recommend a targeted approach to privacy rather than trying to shield the entire garden. Consider:

• Key usage zones: Focus on screening areas where you spend the most time (dining areas, outdoor lounges)
• Sightlines: Identify and block specific angles where overlooking occurs
• Seasonal needs: Some areas may only need screening when you're using them in warmer months
• Privacy vs. light: Balance privacy with maintaining natural light, especially in south-facing gardens

A privacy audit of your garden, which we perform during our initial consultation, helps identify exactly where screening is needed and where it's unnecessary, saving you money and maximising both privacy and light.

Privacy Screening Plants for Sydney Gardens

Living screens offer a natural, beautiful privacy solution that improves with age. Here are our top-performing privacy plants for Inner West gardens:

Fast-Growing Hedge Plants

• Lilly Pilly (Syzygium varieties):
  • Growth rate: 30-60cm per year
  • Maximum height: 3-4m (dwarf varieties) to 5-6m (standard)
  • Pros: Native, dense foliage, colourful new growth, responds well to pruning
  • Cons: Can be susceptible to psyllids (select resistant varieties like 'Resilience')
  • Best for: Boundary hedges, screening walls
  • Cost: $25-$45 per plant (200mm pot), $120-$180 per linear metre installed
• Murraya paniculata (Mock Orange):
  • Growth rate: 20-40cm per year
  • Maximum height: 2.5-3.5m
  • Pros: Fragrant white flowers, dense growth, tolerates partial shade
  • Cons: Not native, can be slow to establish
  • Best for: Lower hedges, beneath windows, courtyard privacy
  • Cost: $18-$35 per plant (200mm pot), $90-$140 per linear metre installed
• Photinia 'Red Robin':
  • Growth rate: 30-50cm per year
  • Maximum height: 3-4m
  • Pros: Striking red new growth, hardy, disease-resistant
  • Cons: Not native, can outgrow small spaces if not maintained
  • Best for: Feature screening, mixed privacy borders
  • Cost: $22-$40 per plant (200mm pot), $100-$160 per linear metre installed

Vertical Screening Plants

• Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides):
  • Growth rate: 1-2m per year once established
  • Maximum height: Climbs to 6-7m with support
  • Pros: Fragrant flowers, glossy foliage, can grow on trellis or wires
  • Cons: Deciduous in cooler areas, requires sturdy support
  • Best for: Fence coverage, wire systems, pergolas
  • Cost: $20-$35 per plant, $60-$100 per square metre of coverage installed
• Native Climbing Plants (e.g., Hardenbergia violacea):
  • Growth rate: 1-2m per year
  • Maximum height: 3-5m with support
  • Pros: Purple flowers, native, drought-tolerant once established
  • Cons: Less dense than some other options, seasonal flower display
  • Best for: Native gardens, wildlife-friendly screening
  • Cost: $15-$30 per plant, $50-$90 per square metre of coverage installed

Potted Screening Plants

For rental properties or paved areas, container plants provide flexible privacy:

• Slender Weaver Bamboo (Bambusa textilis 'Gracilis'):
  • Growth rate: 30-50cm per year
  • Maximum height in pots: 3-4m
  • Pros: Non-invasive clumping type, elegant appearance, fast growth
  • Cons: Requires large pots and regular watering
  • Cost: $60-$150 per plant, $200-$350 installed in suitable container
• Ornamental Grass Screening (e.g., Lomandra):
  • Growth rate: Fills out within 6-12 months
  • Maximum height: 0.7-1.2m
  • Pros: Low maintenance, drought-tolerant, modern appearance
  • Cons: Limited height, provides only partial screening
  • Cost: $15-$25 per plant, $80-$140 per linear metre in containers

Structural Privacy Solutions

For immediate privacy and in areas where plants aren't practical, structural solutions offer effective alternatives:

Privacy Screens and Panels

• Timber Battens:
  • Materials: Treated pine, cedar, or hardwood
  • Height: Typically 1.8-2.1m
  • Pros: Modern aesthetic, can be custom-spaced for varied privacy levels
  • Cons: Requires maintenance to prevent weathering
  • Cost: $280-$450 per linear metre installed (depending on material)
• Metal Screens (powder-coated aluminium):
  • Styles: Laser-cut, perforated, or slatted designs
  • Height: 1-2m typical for garden applications
  • Pros: Durable, low maintenance, contemporary appearance
  • Cons: Higher cost, limited sound absorption
  • Cost: $350-$600 per linear metre installed
• Composite Screening:
  • Materials: Wood-plastic composite materials
  • Height: 1.8-2.1m standard
  • Pros: Low maintenance, won't rot or warp, consistent appearance
  • Cons: Limited design options, artificial appearance
  • Cost: $320-$480 per linear metre installed
• Bamboo and Reed Screens:
  • Types: Natural or synthetic bamboo, reed, or brush
  • Height: 1.8-2m typical
  • Pros: Inexpensive, natural appearance, quick installation
  • Cons: Limited durability (3-5 years for natural materials)
  • Cost: $60-$150 per linear metre installed (budget option)

Boundary Fencing Options

• Timber Paling Fence:
  • Materials: Treated pine structure with hardwood or treated pine palings
  • Height: 1.8m (standard for boundary fences in most council areas)
  • Pros: Cost-effective, traditional appearance, good privacy
  • Cons: Requires maintenance, 7-15 year lifespan
  • Cost: $180-$280 per linear metre installed
• Horizontal Slat Fencing:
  • Materials: Treated pine or hardwood slats
  • Height: 1.8-2.1m
  • Pros: Contemporary appearance, can include gaps for partial views
  • Cons: Higher cost than standard paling, requires quality materials
  • Cost: $280-$420 per linear metre installed
• Rendered Masonry Walls:
  • Materials: Brick or block with rendered finish
  • Height: 1.8-2.1m (council approval may be required for higher)
  • Pros: Permanent, solid noise barrier, zero maintenance
  • Cons: Highest cost, require engineering and potentially council approval
  • Cost: $650-$1,200 per linear metre installed

Council Regulations for Privacy Structures

In Sydney's Inner West, these general guidelines apply (always check with your specific council):

• Boundary fences: Generally 1.8m maximum height without approval
• Front fences: Usually limited to 1.2m solid height, or 1.8m if 50% open
• Internal screens: Generally unrestricted if not on boundaries and under 2.1m
• Heritage properties: May have special requirements, particularly for street-facing elements
• Corner blocks: Special considerations for sight lines and traffic safety

For our Inner West clients, we provide council-specific guidance during the consultation phase and can advise on which privacy solutions can be implemented without lengthy approval processes.

Creative Privacy Solutions for Challenging Spaces

Beyond standard screens and plants, these creative approaches solve specific Inner West privacy challenges:

Vertical Gardens

Ideal for small spaces where ground planting isn't possible:

• Modular green wall systems:
  • Features: Pre-planted panels that attach to wall structures
  • Privacy level: Medium-high depending on plant selection
  • Pros: Immediate effect, decorative, space-efficient
  • Cons: Requires irrigation system, higher maintenance
  • Cost: $900-$1,500 per square metre installed with irrigation
• DIY vertical planters:
  • Features: Wall-mounted pots or hanging systems
  • Privacy level: Low-medium, creates visual distraction
  • Pros: Affordable, customisable, can be installed by homeowners
  • Cons: Less dense coverage, requires regular watering
  • Cost: $200-$500 per square metre (materials only)

Overhead Privacy Solutions

For properties overlooked from above:

• Pergolas with privacy screens:
  • Features: Timber or metal structure with bamboo, fabric, or retractable covers
  • Privacy level: Good overhead protection
  • Pros: Creates defined outdoor room, dual purpose (shade and privacy)
  • Cons: Substantial structure, may require council approval
  • Cost: $5,000-$12,000 depending on size and materials
• Sail shades positioned for privacy:
  • Features: Strategically angled shade sails to block sightlines
  • Privacy level: Moderate, depends on positioning
  • Pros: Less expensive than solid structures, removable
  • Cons: Limited durability (5-10 years), partial privacy only
  • Cost: $1,500-$3,500 installed depending on size

Temporary and Rental-Friendly Solutions

For renters or temporary privacy needs:

• Freestanding privacy screens:
  • Features: Movable screens on feet or in planter bases
  • Privacy level: Moderate, targeted privacy
  • Pros: Portable, no permanent installation, customisable positioning
  • Cons: Limited height, less stable than fixed options
  • Cost: $300-$800 per panel
• Planter box with integrated trellis:
  • Features: Combined planter and climbing structure
  • Privacy level: Improves as plants grow
  • Pros: Movable, combines plants with immediate screening
  • Cons: Requires regular watering, heavy when filled
  • Cost: $400-$900 per unit installed

Real Inner West Privacy Transformations

See how we've solved privacy challenges for different Inner West property types:

Newtown Terrace: Courtyard Privacy

For this narrow inner-city terrace, we created privacy in a compact courtyard overlooked by neighbouring apartments:

• Property challenge: Small 4m x 5m courtyard overlooked from three sides, including above
• Solution applied:
  • Custom slatted cedar screens (1.9m) on two sides
  • Overhead pergola with alternating timber battens for filtered light
  • Planter boxes with climbing Star Jasmine to soften screens
  • Multi-stem trees (Olive and Japanese Maple) for dappled upper privacy
• Result: A secluded outdoor room that maintains light while blocking direct overlooking
• Cost: $13,800 (complete solution)
• Timeframe: 2 weeks installation

Leichhardt Semi: Strategic Screening

For this semi-detached home, we focused on targeted privacy while maintaining garden openness:

• Property challenge: Garden overlooked from second-storey neighbour, particularly affecting the outdoor dining area
• Solution applied:
  • 3m tall 'L-shaped' timber screen structure around dining zone
  • Mixed screening plants (Lilly Pilly and Bamboo) for natural privacy
  • Retractable awning for overhead privacy when needed
  • Layered planting to obscure sightlines without solid barriers
• Result: Private dining and entertainment area while maintaining open feel elsewhere
• Cost: $9,600 (targeted approach)
• Timeframe: 3 weeks (including planting)

Balmain Apartment: Balcony Screening

For this ground-floor apartment, we created privacy from street and common areas:

• Property challenge: Street-facing courtyard visible to pedestrians and neighbours
• Solution applied:
  • Custom planter boxes with integrated metal screens (strata-approved)
  • Layered plantings of different heights (ornamental grasses, compact shrubs)
  • Movable pot arrangement to block specific sightlines
  • Climbing plants on existing boundary fence
• Result: Strata-compatible privacy solution without permanent alterations
• Cost: $4,800 (including all plants and containers)
• Timeframe: 1 week installation

Planning Your Privacy Project

Ready to create a more private outdoor space? Here's our recommended approach:

DIY vs. Professional Installation

Consider these factors when deciding how to implement your privacy solutions:

• Suitable for DIY:
  • Small-scale planting
  • Temporary or freestanding screens
  • Simple trellises and climbing plant supports
  • Potted plant arrangements
• Better with professional installation:
  • Boundary fences (especially shared boundaries)
  • Structural screens requiring footings
  • Pergolas and overhead structures
  • Large-scale hedge planting
  • Complex integrated solutions

Maintenance Considerations

Factor these maintenance requirements into your privacy planning:

• Hedges: Trimming 2-3 times yearly (more for fast-growing species)
• Timber screens: Oiling/staining every 1-2 years
• Climbing plants: Training and pruning 2-4 times yearly
• Green walls: Regular irrigation checks, fertilising, and pruning
• Metal elements: Periodic cleaning, checking fasteners (least maintenance)

For busy Inner West homeowners, we offer maintenance plans that keep your privacy solutions in perfect condition, with quarterly or seasonal service visits.

Budget Tiers for Privacy Projects

• Basic privacy enhancement ($2,000-$5,000):
  • Strategic potted plantings
  • Simple screens for targeted areas
  • Climbing plants on existing structures
  • Ideal for: Renters, small spaces, targeted privacy concerns
• Comprehensive privacy solution ($5,000-$15,000):
  • Mixed screening plants and structural elements
  • Custom screens for main outdoor living areas
  • Upgraded fencing for one or two boundaries
  • Ideal for: Average Inner West gardens with specific privacy issues
• Complete privacy transformation ($15,000-$30,000+):
  • Comprehensive boundary treatments
  • Pergolas and overhead privacy
  • Multiple integrated privacy zones
  • Premium materials and mature plantings for immediate effect
  • Ideal for: Whole-garden renovations with significant privacy challenges

Creating Your Private Outdoor Sanctuary

Privacy is one of the most valuable commodities in Sydney's Inner West, and with the right approach, even the most exposed gardens can be transformed into secluded retreats. The best privacy solutions combine immediate structural elements with growing, natural screening that improves with time.

At Outdoor Blitz, we specialise in creating tailored privacy solutions that respect your property's unique characteristics, council requirements, and your personal aesthetic preferences. Our approach balances privacy with other important factors like light, views, and air circulation to create outdoor spaces that feel both protected and open.

For a no-obligation privacy assessment of your Inner West property, contact our team today. We'll help you identify privacy opportunities and develop a practical plan that suits your timeline and budget, drawing on our extensive experience creating private sanctuaries throughout Sydney's Inner West.