Will Ivy (or some other vine) cover a chain link fence in No. Illinois?

I have a long chain link fence and I would like to plant something to block the view of my neighbor's yard. Any suggestions? I would prefer a vine of some sort to bushes but what are the best (and most cost effective) options?

Will Ivy (or some other vine) cover a chain link fence in No. Illinois?
Based on past experience - trying to hide a neighbor that doesn't keep their yard as nice as I like mine kept, vines will work but may cause trouple later down the line.





Here's what happened - when we moved to our current home, there was a fence between the properties that happened to be right on the line. A vine was planted to cover an ugly type fence and it grew and grew and grew some more. Eventually it grew to the point to where it needed to be trimmed from the other side of the fence (that's right, from the neighbor's yard). This caused trouble because the neighbor-who wasn't the friendliest to begin with - wanted to know why I was trimming his part of the vine, even though it was planted on my side of the yard.





It all worked out for the best, but I learned several lessons from this problem......





a. fences should NEVER be put directly on the line


b. never work on the opposite side of the fence without first asking for permission


c. never plant things that will 'tresspass' on other people's property without first asking permission





What I would suggest is planting hedges or bushes on your side of the fence. There are several options but keep in mind that you probably want something that will keep it's leaves all year long - like boxwoods or some kind of evergreen so when the leaves fall in the winter or late fall, you don't have to look at the neighbor until new growth comes back inthe spring.





Good luck, I'm sure you will make the correct decision. Whatever you decide will look great.
Reply:The very first question you have to ask yourself is what is my sun exposure? Ivy, and it's relatives, are all Northern faced plantings. It will grow basically anywhere, however, it will not do what you want unless in shade.


No. Illn. would be a great place to put either a RedTwig or YellowTwig Dogwood planting. You can even use a combo of the two. The Dogwood family is not restricted to Trees!! Both plants are cheap and spread quickly. They provide both cover and color during the season and interest when they are dormant. One plant, left alone, will cover three foot by two foot per season. Hope it helps.
Reply:Yes it will.
Reply:Ivy will work (esp. English Ivy). While it is growing, you will want to weave it into the chainlink fence. You could also put up a lattice, and let honeysuckle or some such flowering vine grow on it.