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<\/a><\/p>\nPhoto:\u00a0MicroPro Sienna<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Despite sweltering temperatures and sticky, humid conditions, fashion retailers and local school districts have declared summer over. But don\u2019t be fooled, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the great outdoors. If you live in an urban setting, surrounded by towering condos or high-rise office buildings, chances are your outdoor space is prone to prying eyes. So how can you enhance the privacy of your small city backyard or patio? Designer carpenter and TV handyman expert Chris Palmer<\/a> shares five tips on creating privacy in urban outdoor spaces.<\/span><\/p>\n Photo:\u00a0Bob Jenkins\/Flickr<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n \u201cAdding some low-maintenance greenery can optimize privacy, while adding visual appeal,\u201d says Palmer. He recommends planting tall native grasses in raised planters or growing a hedge fence with poplar or cedar trees. \u201cYou should always speak to the garden experts at nurseries, they\u2019ll be able to make recommendations based on the local climate and the amount of sun exposure your outdoor space receives.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n Photo:\u00a0MicroPro Sienna<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n \u201cPergolas create the sense of an outdoor room by framing the space, and making it more inviting since it gives you a little more privacy.\u201d Even a pergola purchased from big-box store can be fully customized with the addition of a shade sail, billowy curtains, lattice panels or playful string lights. \u201cA pergola is a great outdoor investment that also increases the value of your property much like a deck would.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Photo:\u00a0MicroPro Sienna<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n \u201cHorizontal or woven privacy screens are also a great aesthetic addition that can help create that separation in your backyard from neighbors,\u201d says Palmer. Privacy screens are an affordable and relatively easy DIY project, and there are a myriad of styles to choose from. \u201cI\u2019m kind of known for my\u00a0woven pattern<\/a>, I like to vary the thickness of the boards to add texture and volume,\u201d explains Palmer.<\/span><\/p>\n Photo:\u00a0MicroPro Sienna<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Choosing pressure-treated lumber from MicroPro Sienna<\/a> will keeping your project looking new and ward off rot and harmful insects. \u201cI always recommend applying a sealer to keep that natural brown tone, but even if you don\u2019t, I find MicroPro Sienna retains its color longer than cedar ever would,\u201d notes Palmer. \u201cCedar actually ages to a washed-out grey tone within months of sun exposure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n1. Choose fast-growing greenery<\/b><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n2. Upgrade your pergola<\/b><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n3. DIY a modern privacy screen<\/b><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n4. Ensure longevity with MicroPro Sienna<\/b><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n5. Add character with upcycled treasures<\/b><\/h2>\n