Patrick and Brittany Mahomes’ Vertical Tree Garden Sets the Standard for Natural Screening – It Redefines Architectural Landscaping for 2026
By reviving the ancient art of espalier, Patrick proves that the most effective privacy solutions are grown, not built.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes remains one of the most celebrated footballers of his generation, having secured two Super Bowls within his first five seasons alone. Given his immense global profile in 2026, maintaining privacy at his home in a Kansas City suburb is a top priority for his family. To protect their sanctuary, Patrick and Brittany have turned to a clever and sophisticated landscaping technique that provides a natural shield against the outside world.
In their yard, Patrick and his wife, Brittany, employ the ancient agricultural practice of espalier to form a tall, vertical wall composed entirely of trees. Typically, the most successful trees to espalier are fruit trees – planted specifically to grow straight against a wall or, as seen in the Mahomes' case, a fence.
Article continues belowWhile the Mahomes family uses espalier for seclusion, the method dates back centuries to a French monk, Fr. Lergendre, who used it to grow food within a small garden. Today, the art of pruning fruit trees into specific shapes against a flat surface remains a popular contemporary landscaping choice.
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Japanese boxwoods are easy-care shrubs that bring year-round structure and a formal look to any garden. They’re ideal for beginners and can be planted in groups to create an effective and attractive privacy screen.
The classic American arborvitae is an excellent choice for recreating Patrick’s natural sense of privacy. With its lush green foliage and naturally upright form, it’s perfect for adding height and strong vertical structure to any outdoor space.
A go-to choice for climbers, vining hydrangea consistently stands out, and these varieties are no exception. Their abundant, cloud-like blooms on strong vines create a rich, layered effect that feels both full and elegant.
Refresh your spring gardening routine with this super handy trowel and cultivator set. Designed for durability and all-weather use, it includes a trowel, transplanter, and two cultivators to make planting, weeding, and everyday care easy and efficient.
No garden kit is complete without a weeder, and Martha Stewart’s is among the most stylish available. Effortlessly tackle spring weeds with this expertly crafted tool, designed for precision and comfort to make every gardening task feel easy.
From spring planting to winter pruning, these reusable, tear-resistant bags make gathering and carrying garden waste quick and easy. Spacious and weather-resistant, they’re a reliable choice for keeping your outdoor space tidy all year round.
As spring blossoms begin to fade and the lush greenery of early summer takes hold in 2026, the structural beauty of this technique becomes even more apparent.
Patrick and Brittany appear to have used hornbeam trees to create a tall border that extends privacy well beyond their fence line. However, this vertical strategy is versatile. Fruit trees serve as an effective and practical alternative, though vertical planting is often chosen for its aesthetic charm.
'Vertical planting utilizes the vertical space to introduce a vibrant and dynamic element to your surroundings. Based on the results I've seen over my years in the landscaping industry, vertical planting can truly transform the appearance of an area, creating an inviting and visually appealing atmosphere,' says Bryan Clayton, the CEO of GreenPal.
'Vertical planting allows you to incorporate plants that climb, vine, or have a trailing growth habit, creating a captivating living wall that captures attention and brings life to any space.'
By selecting plants such as climbing roses, ivy, jasmine, or trailing vines like sweet potato vine or English ivy, homeowners can achieve excellent coverage while enhancing the visual appeal of their outdoor space. This is particularly effective during the peak growing months of 2026, when these climbers are at their most vibrant. Furthermore, this technique is an ideal solution for masking an unsightly wall.
'If you have an unsightly wall, don't overlook the potential of vertical planting. Embrace this strategy and transform it into a stunning vertical garden,' the expert adds.
Whether you are looking to shield your space from prying eyes or simply wish to embrace the 'living architecture' trend of 2026, the Mahomes' sophisticated use of espalier proves that the most enduring style statements are often rooted in tradition.
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