The 9 Best Ways To Add Shade And Privacy To Your Yard Without Any Trees

Your backyard should be an outdoor oasis where you can escape, unwind, and have a fun time. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case. It can be hard to relax and enjoy your outdoor space if you don't have privacy from your neighbors. Similarly, spending time outside on a hot day without any shade doesn't match most people's definition of a fun time.

While planting some tall trees around the perimeter of your yard or close to your deck can grant you the shade and privacy you long for, there are many reasons why this might not be a desirable or feasible solution for you. Trees take time to grow and deliver the desired coverage, and they are not always easy to plant. Plus, if you're renting your home, you don't have the freedom to make such permanent modifications to the yard's landscaping. Fortunately, there are other solutions that will help you shade your backyard and make it a more private retreat.

When you're looking for an affordable way to add shade to a treeless backyard, a pergola offers an optimal solution. It's a relatively simple structure, often constructed from wood or vinyl. Its design consists of columns on the sides that support a roof of rafters or a solid material. This blocks the sunlight to provide a cooler spot to those sitting under the pergola, but users can still enjoy the sites and sounds of nature.

By design, they don't offer a ton of seclusion as they are relatively open on the sides. However, that doesn't mean that you can't make a few modifications to help it provide privacy in addition to shade. DIYing a privacy wall will make this possible. These may be constructed from various materials, including wood, screens, or cloth curtains. Choose the material and design that matches your specific goals. For example, if you're looking for something that can be opened when the sun isn't beating down or the neighbors aren't outside,  outdoor shades might be the way to go.

Umbrellas can block the sun, and when large enough and positioned properly, these can also add some privacy to your space. If you're looking to gain both shade and privacy, then you'll want to choose a cantilever umbrella. Instead of simply opening up over a table or chair to deliver shade from above, these models tilt and rotate. This makes it possible to block the sun from different angles or to create a barrier between your yard or patio and that of your neighbors. Some models, like the Grand Patio 11-Foot Cantilever Umbrella, even feature a rolling base to make it even easier to move them around as needed.

Depending on the size of your space and the level of privacy you desire, you can also purchase multiple umbrellas. Then, use them to create a mini barrier around your deck, patio, or even hot tub. Choosing an umbrella with lights, like the Best Choice Products 10-Foot Solar LED Cantilever Patio Umbrella, can extend its usefulness into the evening after the sun has gone down.

A retractable awning can offer customizable shade and privacy when you want it. As their name suggests, these awnings retract when they're not needed or wanted. Simply press a button, and it will either come out to shield the area beneath it, or it will retract and go back into the cover that is installed against your home.

The shade benefits offered by retractable awnings, like the Advaning Motorized Patio Retractable Awning, are quite clear. However, their ability to add some privacy to a space may not be so obvious. Depending on the location of your yard, and how close you are to your neighbors, you might find that an awning helps you create a more secluded and private space. In many newer neighborhoods, the homes seem to be built right on top of one another. This may mean that your neighbors have a perfect view of your backyard or patio from one of their upper windows. Extending an awning over this space can block their view and allow you to create a more intimate space for relaxation or entertaining. Additionally, there are also retractable wall-like options, such as the Liferun Retractable Side Awning, that can create a barrier around your space for even more privacy and seclusion.

With a covered outdoor daybed, you can create a mini, private, and shaded escape right in your own backyard. These daybeds feature comfortable cushions and pillows to help you relax. And, their covered top and sides offer cooling protection against the heat of the sun. They also keep you out of the line of sight of those who may be peeking into your yard. Outdoor daybeds are generously sized too, providing ample space for you and a friend or two to take it easy.

You'll find many outdoor daybeds available to purchase. Some options with retractable canopies include the Walsunny Rattan Daybed or the Kemon Round Outdoor Daybed. Alternatively, you can save a few bucks by DIYing your own backyard daybed with a canopy. With some basic woodworking skills and a few wood posts, your covered daybed is only a few hours of work away. Plus, you can customize the look and feel of your new build to match exactly what you're looking for in your backyard oasis.

If you have a bigger budget and are looking for a more permanent fixture, then you might want to consider building a gazebo in your backyard. These structures, which are traditionally constructed out of wood, can be enjoyed in many types of weather due to the protection they provide. The roof not only blocks sunlight to keep you shaded on a bright and sunny day, but it can also prevent rain from coming in, making it possible to enjoy the outdoors when you otherwise wouldn't be able to.

As for privacy, the specific way you design your gazebo will control just how much seclusion it offers. Gazebos are often shaped like a hexagon, and the type of paneling you add between the corner columns will impact how much others are able to see from the outside. The structure allows you to add curtains or pull-down shades as you wish. Or, if you don't want to build a wooden one, you can purchase a metal and fabric version like ABC Canopy's Outdoor Hexagonal Gazebo, which features integrated netting and privacy curtains. 

A screened-in porch is a major undertaking to add some privacy and shade to your yard. However, if you're looking to stay in your home for a while and want to increase your property value, it might just be the solution you're looking for. A screened-in porch is just what it sounds like, a porch with a covered top and screens along the sides. With a screened-in porch, you can enjoy the outdoors for more of the year thanks to the shelter it provides. The roof helps keep you dry and blocks the sunlight, while the screens keep bugs and other unwanted guests out.

Screened-in porches also increase the privacy of your space. The screened walls partially obstruct the views of others, while still allowing you to look out and enjoy nature from your yard. Opt for a darker-colored screen to maximize the privacy they provide. Because they're protected against the elements, any outdoor furniture, lighting, or fans will likely stay in good condition much longer than if they were exposed.

Outdoor curtains offer an attractive way to create a private and shaded outdoor oasis. One benefit of hanging curtains outside is that you leave them open when you want to enjoy the view. But, when the sun is beating down or your neighbors are out in their space, you can slide them closed for a cooler, more private environment. Outdoor curtains also offer a budget-friendly way to DIY a patio enclosure, and are much more economically priced than building a new structure or constructing a screen-in porch.

Outdoor curtains are relatively easy to hang. You can even use a PVC pipe hack to hang the curtains and quickly convert your outdoor space. Other hanging options include securing curtain rods to wooden columns or posts on your deck or patio, or using tensioned wire rope between your home and nearby trees. When choosing the curtains, look for ones made from heavy duty, waterproof materials, such as RYB Home's Outdoor Blackout Curtains. 

Your shade and privacy needs in your backyard can vary based on the angle of the sun and where potential onlookers are located. For example, in the morning, you'll need to block sunlight coming from the east side of your yard, while the sun will be shining in from the west side of the space come the evening hours. Similarly, sometimes the neighbors on the right side of your house could be out in their yard when you want some privacy. However at other times, you may want to create a barrier from the neighbors on the other side of your house.

If you don't want to always block all of the sides of your yard, consider a portable screen. Models such as the Sorbus Privacy Screen are easy to move and reposition as needed. When the sun moves — or a neighbor comes out into their yard, you can shift the angle of the screen. Because these products are lightweight and portable, you can simply fold them up and store them inside or in the garage when you're inside or they're not needed.

A living wall is precisely what it sounds like, a wall or barrier made from living plants. Many times your pergola or covered patio allows sunlight in during the morning and evening hours. By adding a living wall to the east or west side of the area, you can benefit from shade at these times of day as well.

You can install supports, like the Gardener's Supply Company Lattice Gable Wall Trellis, in a row to create a wall for climbing plants. Then, plant a few clematis, climbing roses, or Virginia creepers to vine up and cover the structure, creating a wall of greenery. If you prefer to use smaller, more portable plants, purchase wall planters like Ogrmar's 36-Pocket Vertical Wall Garden Grow Bag, and hang them side-by-side to span the opening. Fill them with fast-growing plants that will fill out the panels as an attractive way to block the view from neighbors. Then, plant taller varieties like ornamental grass below the panels to take your foliage screen all the way to the ground.