The Transformation
See It Before and After
Drag the slider to see this property line before screening went in, and after the planting filled in the view.
Before
After
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Living screens and natural fencing that block views, reduce noise, and add genuine beauty to your yard, without the rigid permanence of a board fence.
Request a ConsultationDrag the slider to see this property line before screening went in, and after the planting filled in the view.
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A living screen is often better than a fence. It's more beautiful, it provides wildlife habitat, it adds seasonal interest, and it filters sound more effectively than a flat barrier. The challenge is getting the plant selection and spacing right so that the screen actually provides the coverage you need - dense enough at eye level, in both summer and winter if that matters to you - without planting so close together that the plants compete poorly and thin out over time.
Aaron has planted screens across Ann Arbor for clients who want privacy from a neighboring property, a road, a utility area, or an unpleasant view. He selects species based on your specific conditions - sun exposure, soil, how much maintenance you want to do, whether you need year-round screening or just summer coverage - and spaces them to fill in properly over three to five years without becoming an overcrowded problem.
For clients who want immediate coverage, he may combine a natural screen with a simple structural fence that holds the view while the plants establish, a practical solution that transitions gracefully as the planting matures. Whatever approach makes sense for your situation, Aaron will walk the site with you and design something that gets you the privacy you need in a way that looks right.
Start a ConversationWe take this work on across Washtenaw County. See what we build in Lodi Township and Saline, or get in touch about your own property.
Common Questions
Depends on what we plant and what you're willing to spend. Larger stock gives you privacy in one or two seasons at a higher cost; smaller stock is cheaper and takes three to five years. We'll show you both options honestly rather than promising instant results from small plants.
Arborvitae is the default and works if deer pressure is low. They'll strip it otherwise. Where deer are an issue we lean on spruce, holly, viburnum and mixed plantings. We steer clear of anything invasive, and mixed screens are more resilient than a single-species hedge that one pest can take out entirely.
Often both. A fence gives immediate privacy and a hard boundary; planting softens it and adds depth. A fence with layered planting in front of it usually looks better and screens more effectively than either alone.
Fence height and placement are regulated by municipality and can differ between front and rear yards, and some Ann Arbor area neighbourhoods have their own rules on top. Planting is generally less restricted. We check what applies to your lot before designing.
Aaron designs natural screens that work beautifully and get better every year as they fill in.
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