Do you hate the way your neighbor’s unkempt lawn and hoards of broken toys takes away from your beautifully landscaped backyard oasis? Maybe you simply wish to create an attractive border between your yard and the next. Whatever the case may be, installing an actual fence can be very time consuming and expensive. Instead of putting up a wood or steel barrier, try one of these creative ideas for your backyard fence.

1. Shrubbery

Shrubs make great barriers between adjoining yards, but one downside to planting them is the fact that they take so long to grow to a height that’s tall enough to block a neighbor’s offending yard. On the bright side, there are some varieties that grow quickly. Pampas grasses, for example, grow up to 10 feet tall in just one year.

2. Trees

Create a stunning privacy wall by planting trees in a straight row. One of the best trees for this purpose is the Leyland Cypress. Reaching heights of 40-60 feet tall and 8-12 feet wide at maturity, they grow quickly at 3-5 feet a year. If you plant several of these trees six feet apart, their feathery green foliage will fill in and block from sight anything on the other side.

3. Plant Vines

It’s easy to create a green fence by planting fast-growing vines. Simply install lattice or another wood frame for the plants to grow on and plant a few Irish or English ivy. It won’t take long for the plants to climb and fill in to create a stunning wall that hides even the worst-looking backyard. Another variety of vine you might consider that adds a lot of beauty almost all year is the Virginia Creeper. This plant is a lush green in summer and then turns a spectacular red in the fall.

4. Bamboo Fencing

Not as strong as traditional wood or metal fencing, bamboo fencing is an alternative that’s less expensive while still providing the privacy and beauty you seek. Bamboo fencing adds a natural looking border that’s quite versatile. It comes in varying heights up to 8 feet and typically comes in 8-foot sections.

5. Build An Outbuilding

If you’re tired of looking at your neighbor’s chaotic backyard, you can build an outbuilding to help block it from view. Build a greenhouse or workshop near your property line or erect a fun playhouse for the kids. Your outbuilding could even be part of a fencing plan that includes several structures. Build a greenhouse in the middle and add shrubs, trees, and vines on either side to create a paradise getaway right in your own backyard. Having a neighbor who does little to keep his yard up can sometimes bring down the value of your own property. If you ever have to rent or sell your property, you’ll need to shield his bad lawn maintenance while enhancing your own landscaped lawn. You can’t force your neighbor to care for his yard, but you can hide it easily using any of the above creative ideas for your backyard fence.