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OUR MISSION IS TO TAILOR FOR EACH CLIENT A BEAUTIFUL, FUNCTIONAL AND ENDURING OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT THAT WILL PROVIDE A PLACE OF SERENITY FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO APPRECIATE FOR YEARS TO COME.
BuildCal Landscape Landscaping Article
Creating Privacy in Pasadena with Strategic Landscaping
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In Pasadena's distinctive neighborhoods, where historic Craftsman bungalows stand alongside contemporary estates, the need for thoughtful privacy solutions has never been greater. As outdoor living spaces become extensions of our homes, creating secluded retreats requires more than just basic fencing - it demands strategic landscape design that addresses:
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Visual privacy from neighboring homes and street traffic
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Sound mitigation for peaceful outdoor enjoyment
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Microclimate enhancement through wind protection and shade creation
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Aesthetic harmony with your home's architectural style
At BuildCal, our 15+ years of designing Pasadena landscapes have taught us that effective privacy solutions must balance four key elements:
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Natural Beauty - Using plants that thrive in our Mediterranean climate
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Functional Design - Creating usable spaces within privacy screens
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Year-Round Interest - Ensuring visual appeal across seasons
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Water Efficiency - Selecting drought-tolerant species where possible
This comprehensive guide shares our professional approach to crafting private outdoor sanctuaries through:
- Five layered privacy systems tailored to Pasadena properties
- Science-backed plant selections that grow well in our local soil
- Innovative hardscape integrations that provide immediate screening
- Space-maximizing techniques for urban-sized lots
3 Professional Privacy Solutions for Pasadena Homes
1. Living Green Walls
For natural, breathable screening
Top Plant Choices:
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Podocarpus gracilior (Fern Pine) - Grows 1-2 ft/year to 25'
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Viburnum suspensum - Lush evergreen reaching 8-12'
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Photinia fraseri - Vibrant red new growth
Design Tips:
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Plant 3-4' apart for dense hedge
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Stagger in two rows for thicker coverage
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Pair with drip irrigation systems
2. Ornamental Tree Screens
For vertical privacy with architectural interest
Best Varieties:
| Tree | Growth Rate | Mature Height | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italian Cypress | Moderate | 30-40' | Ultra-narrow form |
| Bamboo (Clumping) | Fast | 20-30' | Quick screening |
| Olive Trees | Slow | 20-25' | Drought tolerant |
Placement Strategy:
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Space at 70% of mature canopy width
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Use to frame outdoor living areas
3. Decorative Screening Systems
For instant privacy with design flair
Options:
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Laser-cut metal screens with custom patterns
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Stained wood lattice with climbing vines
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Glass block walls that filter light
Pro Tip: Combine with landscape lighting for nighttime ambiance
Pasadena-Specific Design Considerations
Climate-Adapted Solutions
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Summer sun angles: Position screens to block afternoon heat
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Rainwater management: Slope hardscapes properly
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Wind patterns: Use dense plantings as windbreaks
Architectural Integration
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Craftsman homes: Cedar trellises with climbing roses
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Mid-century modern: Clean-lined metal screens
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Spanish revival: Stucco walls with decorative tile
Small Space Strategies
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Vertical gardens on boundary walls
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Multi-functional furniture with built-in planters
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Corner-focused designs to maximize square footage
Professional Installation Process
Our certified team follows a meticulous 5-phase approach:
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Site Analysis
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Sun/shade patterns
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Existing sight lines
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Soil conditions
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3D Design
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Virtual walkthroughs
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Material visualizations
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Precision Installation
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Proper plant spacing
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Irrigation integration
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Lighting Plan
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Uplighting for trees
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Pathway illumination
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Maintenance Training
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Pruning techniques
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Seasonal care
FAQs
Q: What's the most cost-effective privacy solution?
A: Bamboo screens grow quickly and require minimal maintenance when properly contained.
Q: How do I block second-story views?
A: Multi-tiered designs combining trees with raised planters are most effective.
Q: What plants stay green year-round?
A: Evergreen options like Holly, Podocarpus, and Viburnum provide constant coverage.
Q: Can privacy landscaping increase property value?
A: Yes - well-designed outdoor rooms can yield 65-90% ROI in Pasadena's market.
Start Your Private Oasis
Ready to transform your outdoor space? Our design team offers:
Consultations: (818) 303-1570
Showroom Visits: Schedule a tour
Virtual Planning: Email our designers
Recent Projects:
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Craftsman garden screening in Madison Heights
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Modern privacy walls in San Rafael
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Mediterranean-style hedges in Orange Heights
Thinking about a new outdoor space?
We’d love to hear your ideas. Let’s explore what’s possible—no pressure, just a friendly conversation.
Give us a call:
+1 (818) 303-1570
Tagged under:
Landscape Pasadena, privacy landscaping, screening plants, outdoor living
Frequently Asked Question
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS, AND LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS?
Landscape designers may provide design ideas, landscape plans, planting plans and lighting plans. Some also offer installation-related services such as material selection or plant placement. While they may provide conceptual ideas on garden structures, irrigation, and hardscape layout, most are not licensed to provide construction drawings. Likewise, while they may work closely with contractors overseeing the aesthetic elements of an installation, most are not licensed to provide actual construction services. Their education is in residential design, which emphasizes design strategies, hardscape options, and plant materials appropriate for residential projects.
Landscape architects are licensed by the State of California and, in addition to the plans typically provided by a landscape designer, are qualified to produce construction-ready plans that may include complex retaining walls, grading and drainage plans, and physical structures. Their training emphasizes design for large public and commercial spaces such as parks and commercial landscapes, although some specialize in residential projects.
Landscape contractors are licensed to install the designs created by landscape designers and landscape architects. Some are design/build companies, and provide design and maintenance services as well. When working with a design/build firm, be sure to clarify the design process used and whether you will receive landscape drawings for your review and approval or just a verbal or written description of the landscape to be installed. Some design/build companies bundle the design fees with the cost of construction, but it is still important to understand the design cost component should you decide to hire a different company for installation.