Screening for gardens ideas - Screen out neighbours!

Let me guess you're googling Screening for gardens ideas because;

• "That nosey old Bit@h is constantly looking through the windows everytime I step foot in the garden!"
• "That creepy weirdo has attached a security camera to the side of his house and films my entire garden!"
• "The neighbors are lovely but everytime I step foot in the garden, they appear to chat my ear off for several hours, all I want is some peace to relax in the garden"
• "The neighbors kids are constantly on the trampoline and watch me while I try to sunbathe in the garden over the fence!"

We hear you, modern build estates cram in houses without a second thought for privacy. Our back gardens are our private domains and we want a sanctuary away from prying eyes and hearing about others problems. With overlooking windows, CCTV cameras mixed in with problematic neighbors we have the solutions here.

Garden Privacy Issues

No boundary - We all need boundaries, unless you are comfortable with your neighbours using your garden as a communal hub its best to start off with either a fence or a hedge or BOTH. A fixed boundary helps prevent neighbours from claiming your land as their own.

Fences - Go as tall as legally possible! Here in the UK the legal limit without planning / council permission is 2m. If you install taller than this you risk being reported and having the tear it down so check your local height restrictions. If you go lower and you are privacy conscious then you may well regret your decision, an expensive replacement will occur. If you have time and funds there is nothing stopping you from trying your luck with planning permission for a higher fence, for a higher chance of getting permission granted you can get an architect or lawyer to apply for you.

There is already a short fence on the boundary that I want to make higher... Its important at this point to work out who owns the existing boundary fence and unless you want to fall out with your neighbours you should approach them to ask who owns it and inform them of your plans to replace the fence with a taller one. This may go down like a lead balloon but at least you tried, they may even be willing to chip in to replace it.

If they own it ask permission to replace it. If they refuse and want to keep the existing 2ft fence then there is nothing stopping you from butting up your new fence directly behind it.

But what if the neighbour removes their fence after I butt my new one up to it and gifts themselves an extra 5cm of land? The price for pure privacy is a luxury, keep in mind you will never have to see the neighbours face again and you can rock out the short shorts in peace. Forget the 5cm, its now your fence on your land, you don't own it outright in the first place. Forget boundary wars, lawyers costs thousands and your health will suffer. Drink the g&t in peace behind your private, neighbour blocking fence.

Pros of Installing a Fence

1. Variety of Materials: Fences can be made from a wide range of materials, including wood, vinyl, aluminum, and chain-link, each offering different aesthetics, durability, and price points to suit various preferences and budgets.
2. Cost-Effective: Generally, installing a fence is considered more cost-effective than building a wall. Certain materials like chain-link or certain types of wood can provide significant savings.
3. Quick Installation: Compared to building a brick or stone wall, installing a fence typically requires less time and labor, meaning your boundary can be established more quickly.
4. Flexibility: Fences offer more flexibility in terms of design and modification. It's easier to change the height, style, or even relocate sections of a fence than it is with a more permanent structure like a wall.
5. Visual Appeal: With the wide range of designs available, fences can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property. Whether you're looking for a traditional picket fence or a sleek, modern aluminum option, there's likely a style that matches your home's architecture.
6. Functional Benefits: Fences can provide privacy, security, and containment for pets and children. Certain types of fencing offer more privacy, while others are better suited for security or decorative purposes.

Cons of Installing a Fence

1. Maintenance: Depending on the material, some fences require ongoing maintenance, such as painting, staining, or repairing. Wood fences, in particular, may need more upkeep to prevent rot, decay, and termite damage.
2. Durability Concerns: Not all fencing materials are equally durable. Wood can be susceptible to weathering and pests, while certain metals may rust. These factors can affect the longevity and appearance of the fence over time.
3. Limited Security: While fences can deter casual intruders, they may not offer the same level of security as a solid wall. Determined trespassers can often climb over or cut through certain types of fencing.
4. Noise and Wind Flow: Unlike solid walls, most fences offer little to no sound insulation. Additionally, solid fences can obstruct wind flow, which might be a consideration in areas prone to strong winds.
5. Potential for Disputes: The installation of a fence can sometimes lead to disputes with neighbors regarding boundary lines or aesthetics, especially if the fence is deemed unattractive or obstructive by others.
6. Environmental Impact: Certain fencing materials, particularly those that are not sustainably sourced or produced, can have a negative environmental impact. It's important to consider the ecological footprint of your fencing material.

When choosing to install a fence, it's crucial to weigh these pros and cons against your specific needs, preferences, and the local climate. Considerations such as maintenance, durability, cost, and the purpose of the fence (privacy, security, aesthetics) will play significant roles in determining the best fencing solution for your property.

Walls - A wall is great option for those who aren't on a budget, it is the most expensive option and requires time to prepare foundations. You can render the wall, tile it, paint it or leave it natural brick or stone. A wall will block out sound, last a lifetime if well constructed and provide one of the most secure boundary features. If building a high wall it is best to approach a structural engineer first to be given instructions on building it safely.

Pros of Building a Brick Privacy Wall

1. Durability and Longevity: Brick walls are known for their sturdiness and can last for decades with minimal maintenance. They withstand harsh weather conditions, including high winds, heavy rains, and extreme temperatures.
2. Low Maintenance: Once erected, brick walls require very little upkeep beyond occasional cleaning and inspection for any mortar deterioration.
3. Aesthetic Appeal: Brick walls offer a timeless appeal, enhancing the property's appearance and potentially increasing its value. The variety of brick colors and patterns allows for customization to match or complement the existing architecture.
4. Sound Insulation: Brick walls provide excellent sound insulation, reducing noise pollution from the surroundings and creating a quieter, more peaceful property environment.
5. Fire Resistance: Bricks are non-combustible, offering a high level of fire resistance which can be a critical safety feature.
6. Security: A well-built brick wall can act as a strong deterrent to unauthorized entry, enhancing the security of the property.

Cons of Building a Brick Privacy Wall

1. Cost: The initial cost of materials and labor for constructing a brick wall is higher compared to other fencing options like wood or vinyl. This can be a significant factor for those on a tight budget.
2. Installation Time: Building a brick wall is labor-intensive and time-consuming. The construction process requires skilled labor for laying bricks and mortar with precision, which can extend the timeline.
3. Less Flexibility: Once constructed, making changes or modifications to a brick wall is difficult and costly. If future property adjustments are anticipated, this could be a drawback.
4. Foundation Requirements: Brick walls require a strong foundation to ensure stability and prevent settling or cracking. This can add to the complexity and cost of construction.
5. Environmental Impact: The production of bricks and mortar is energy-intensive and contributes to carbon emissions. For those concerned with environmental sustainability, this may be a significant con.
6. Permit and Regulations: In some areas, building a brick wall may require obtaining permits and adhering to specific regulations, which can add to the cost and complexity of the project.

When deciding on a brick wall as a boundary, it's important to weigh these pros and cons against your specific needs, budget, and long-term plans for the property. Brick walls offer a durable, low-maintenance solution with aesthetic appeal but come with higher upfront costs and less flexibility.

Hedges - hedges on their own aren't great permanent boundary markers because hedges can cause boundary creep, you may get a neighbour who keeps it completely trimmed to the boundary in the hope you don't cut your side resulting in movement over the years not to mention the neighbour cutting holes in it to peek through or cause deliberate damage.

Hedges can however grow much higher than 2m and block that second or 3rd story relatively quickly, BUT and this a big BUT, if you plant a hedge as a boundary feature AND you expect to grow it 3 or 4 meters high, remember a shared boundary means the neighbour can just reduce its height, you may come home one day to find your nice 4m hedge reduced to 3ft because the neighbour "prefered" it that way, several years or growing and legal battles will follow to restore your privacy. IF you want a tall hedge and do not want your neighbor to cut it down then you need to install a permanent boundary feature like a wall or fence first, then grow a hedge in front of it. If you want to completely make sure your neighbour cant crop it after and you have the space, plant the hedge 2-3ft feet in front of the wall so you can walk round the back of the hedge to trim it yourself. But even if its butted up to the fence your neighbour can only legally crop back the branches that hang over the fence.

If you dont want to take up any further garden space in front of your new fence then pleached trees are a great option, think of it as a hedge on stilts. Ready pleached trees are considerably more costly than creating your own however starting from scratch takes a green finger and quite a few years for growth.

Hedge height law uk

In the UK, the hedge height law is primarily governed by the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, specifically addressing issues related to high hedges. The legislation was enacted to help resolve disputes between neighbors over hedges that are considered too tall and may affect the enjoyment of residential properties or gardens. Here's a summary of the key points:

Key Features of the Hedge Height Law in the UK:

• Definition of a "High Hedge": The law defines a high hedge as a line of two or more evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs that stand more than 2 meters (approximately 6.5 feet) tall. Single trees and shrubs are not covered by this law.
• Complaints: Residents can formally complain to their local council if they believe a hedge is too high and adversely affects the reasonable enjoyment of their home or garden due to its height. This is typically a last resort after all attempts to resolve the issue amicably with the hedge owner have failed.
• Local Authority Role: Upon receiving a complaint, the local authority has the power to investigate and determine whether the hedge is adversely affecting the complainant's property (e.g., by blocking light or views). If the hedge is found to be a problem, the authority can issue a "remedial notice" to the hedge owner, specifying what action needs to be taken and by when.
• Actions Required: The remedial notice might require the hedge owner to reduce the hedge to a specified height and maintain it at that height. However, the law does not specify a maximum height, as this can vary depending on circumstances.
• Appeals: Both the complainant and the hedge owner have the right to appeal against the local authority's decision. Appeals are handled by the Planning Inspectorate.
• Fees: Local authorities can charge a fee for dealing with hedge height complaints. The fee varies by council and is intended to cover the administration costs of handling the complaint.

It is a common misconception of the UK hedge height law that an evergreen hedge must be kept to 2m in height. The short answer is they dont. It mainly applies to south facing windows, if your neighbour is complaining about a 20m high hedge affecting their north facing windows then their complaint isn't going to go anywhere, a north facing hedge isn't going to affect the sunlight in their property at all.

Want no contest? Plant a deciduous hedge instead, some species even retain their leaves in winter such as beech.

Keep in mind though not to push your neighbours into complete darkness as you will bring trouble to yourself and an escalating battle along with morally this just isnt a decent human being thing to do.

Even if the council agrees your evergreen hedge needs to be lowered they do not always state it needs to be lowered to 2m. There are cases where the council told them it needs to be lowered to 4m, so as previously said the 2m rule isn't a fixed rule.

A compromise will be a reasonable height hedge mixed with larger screening trees, that way the neighbours windows get blocked out strategically and their property isn't plunged into darkness during the day, this way everyones happy.

I want instant screeing to block a neighbours window or CCTV, what can I do?

There a number of solutions with pros and cons.

The contraints are budget and time.

If you want an instant screen, you can purchase mature rootball trees such as 4 or 5m high conifers that will instantly screen. The down side is this is expensive and required heavy lifting equipment to plant not to mention very carefull aftercare and no guarantee it will not lead to transplant failure.

An ourdoor faux tree is your best bet, a bolt together instant tall screening tree without the hassle of aftercare and risks of transplant failure. The downside is cost, tall artificial trees are not a low cost option. But if you want the window blocked out tomorrow this is your answer.

Can't afford instant screening and you have the patience?

Choose a small cutting of a fast growing tree / conifer such a leylandii or cherry laurel. Remember though leylandii doesn't stop growing onceand it reaches your desired height, it'll keep growing and never stop. You are committing yourself to yearly maintenance.

Lowest cost living option that grows like wildfire with a maximum height?

BAMBOO! Bamboo it's an ultra fast growing living screen, just make sure to contain it with a root barrier or choose a clumping variety. As bamboo is classed as grass you can bypass the UK high hedges law. If you cant afford to start with a tall clump, that cheaper short potted bamboo will reach dizzy heights within a couple of years.

While bamboo can grow in containers they are happier in the ground where you don't have to water them as much. However thats not always possible, if you want some height without paying for it, you can plant your bamboo in whiskey barrels giving your bamboo some great extra starting height to reach that window faster than you thought possible.

The neighbours cctv is pointing in my garden. What can I do?

It depends where you are in the world, in the UK its a gray area. If you can prove it amounts to stalking and harassment then you have a case. The police may just tell you its civil matter and expect you to carry our your own private case against it (costly) but winning an injunction if you can afford it is one route. It is worth having a chat with your neighbour about it first, it may well have privacy markers over its view to prevent looking on to your property so dont assume it is definitely recording you.

Failing that your neighbour is recording you in your garden, the police won't help and you can afford a legal battle. There are options.

1. Bamboo, bamboo in the ground, bamboo in pots get it infront of that camera.
2. Trees, both real and artificial
3. Structures such as sheds / garages

Legally questionable answers

1. Point a high power laser at its lens
2. CCTV signal jammers