How do you politely build a privacy fence to avoid a nasty neighbour?

A retired man that seems to think my property is under his surveilance. He stops what he is doing when we are in our yard and boldly stares with a nasty expression. He used to be kind but is losing his kindness. I am still polite but no longer want to use my fenced yard. (yes it is a wooden privacy fence) Problem is his deck is elevated and he looks over the top, or his patio at ground level is built with my fence as one of the main framing walls between our homes. It used to have grapes growing over the trellis roof, but has been replaced with a bright green plastic sheet. Great view right out of my kitchen window! His yard is lovely and he %26amp; his family spend many hours outside. My family is still building our careers and we work from 7:30 am - as late as 9 pm somedays. A little break from his scrutiny would be great. Currently there is a Rose of Sharon %26amp; a large climbing rose bush to help, but it isn't enough. Please ideas!

How do you politely build a privacy fence to avoid a nasty neighbour?
Build the fence in the night, so when he wakes up the morning he has the surprise of nothing to stare at but that damn fence.
Reply:you say you already have a privacy fence, and then you say you want to build one? color me confused.





i don't think there is a need for politeness. just be matter of fact and build the thing. no need to get into any sort of conversation at all. just be sure you build the fence on your side of the property line, and with the "good" side outward. your best bet is to have professionals do it.





we have a nasty neighbor, ourselves. and we built a fence for nearly the same reasons as you. however, do know that most municipalities have limits on the height you are allowed to build a fence. so your only option if he can peep over then becomes vegetative. thick hedge, although it takes a while, is the best way to get people off your back, IMO.
Reply:After all that I've read here (still laughing about "Ö's" cruel comment) I think you last alternative would be tall growing plants. Bamboo makes a great privacy fence and is a fast grower. Good luck!
Reply:You can check to see if you can legally put in a higher fence. politely just say you want to put in a new fence if he wants input ask if he'll pay half the cost. He may stop being so invasive observant if he thinks you want money from him.


We put up a few poles with wires as a trellis and have planted vining plants and a few hedge type plants where we needed more privacy. Some of ours is an overhead canopy of vines because we had a snoopy neighbor who watched us from his second floor.


We used Grape, Jasmine and Honeysuckle on one side and Bougainvillea, Hibiscus and mandavilla on another but we are in zone 9/10 and don't have frost. What you you could plant would depend on the climate where you are. Possibly you could put in a canopy, Lanai type lattice or lattice roof or a marquee shelter to make it more difficult for your neighbor to look down into your yard
Reply:gee..that is a problem! I think I would compliment him on what he has done to make his yard so attractive, and ask for advice with yours IE: you are thinking of putting up an arbor to help with the "sun", or some way to make your yard a little cozier...couldn't hurt to try. Good luck
Reply:build the wall of china around your house
Reply:Some of the answers here were as nasty as your neighbors is. You know what I would do because I 've been doing it for nearly 15 years now.


We all have been put on this earth for some un-godly reason........go on live your life and kill em' with kindness when the mood feels fit.


Some days you become the bigger person. The China wall shouldn't of been, we are trying to build peace in the world when we can't even get along with our neighbor. I know some people go out of there way to be miserable with life, but doesn't mean they have to take me down with them.


We too have a 6 ft. privacy fence and sometimes that don't mean a thing. But the truth is, I don't care what my neighbor thinks of me, I know Im a good person.


GO LIVE YOUR LIFE SING TO YOUR TUNE AND DANCE EVEN WITH YOUR NEIGHBOR WATCHIN!!!!!!
Reply:Put in an extra bright light and aim it directly at his house so it shines all night. When he complains, tell him that since he keeps your house under constant surveillance you thought you would help him out in his quest to make your house safer. And, since you now have the light he can relax his guard and mind his own business...
Reply:hmmmm... building a fence w/o destroying the good view? how about changing it to a higher fence? or place a screen on top of the fence and place some binding plants to still make it beautiful.





or just talk to them about your concern...
Reply:wow....i wish i had some good advice for you......i live in the country, so i have no neighbors.......good luck with this!
Reply:If your neighbor's nasty why be polite ? If it were me I'd hire workmen to come and build during the hours I know my nasty neighbor sleeps.
Reply:If there is enough space you can plant trees along the fence line (give a foot or 2 for growth) this way it look nice and it blocks his view and give you shade. OR you can modify the fence so it's taller if it's on your side and extend it..





Hope this helps..
Reply:Providing that you did all that's possible to befriend your neighbor, then don't concern yourself with being polite regarding your decision on gaining your privacy. Make sure you check your city codes for home construction and landscaping projects before building or planting anything. I suggest a line of tall growing hedges.
Reply:There is no easy way to build a privacy fence without ofending. However, if his yard is very nice and yours isn't, perhaps he would welcome a privacy fence. Tell him you plan on having a few parties and don't want to bother him...make sure he knows music and alchohol will be involved. Then have a party to celebrate your new fence and privacy! Hell, test it out and have a Hedonisim party!!
Reply:I'm not sure I understand the whole configuration of your garden but I have solved my privacy problem by placing a small summer house with its back onto my wall. The roof is quite high. My neighbour can't see over it or when we are in it and it has blocked his view of the rest of my garden.


Otherwise you could staple twigs or brushwood (they are sold in rolls) to the top of your fence to make up the height difference.