If you have a garden, chances are that you will want some sort of privacy screen in your garden. A variety of different plants and materials can be used to create the perfect garden screening idea.
Screening is a great way to create a buffer between the outside world and your home, giving you peace of mind as well as allowing you to enjoy your garden more fully. If you are looking for a solution to hide your garden from view without blocking all light, consider using a wall or hedge to provide privacy. There are many other ways to create a screen, though, including using trellis, pergolas, arbors, planters and raised beds.
There are also plenty of plant choices out there to choose from when deciding on which screening material to use. You may prefer something natural like bamboo, cedar or pine; or you might opt for an artificial material such as vinyl mesh or woven wire. Whatever option you go with, there’s likely to be one that works best for your particular space.
Deciding what type of screening to use depends on several factors, including the size of the area where it will be placed, the level of exposure it will have (i.e., whether you live next-door to a busy road), whether you’re installing it as part of a larger landscape design project, and how much time and money you’re willing to spend on it.
Natural Screening Materials
When choosing the right kind of screening for your needs, you need to consider how the screening will be viewed by people passing by on foot or driving by. For example, if you’re going to install a fence or privacy screen on a driveway or sidewalk, it should ideally be able to withstand the wear and tear of regular traffic.
When considering the use of a wooden fence or screen, look at the species of wood. Pines and cedars grow quickly, but they tend to warp over time. Cedar trees grow slowly, and they won’t warp unless they get wet from rain or snow. Birch trees, too, grow quickly, and they’re resistant to decay.
Other woods that work well include redwood, cypress and cedar. Each of these has its own set of benefits, however. Redwood grows very tall, making it ideal for large areas. However, due to its slow growth rate, it’s less suited for smaller areas. While it doesn’t warp, it does rot easily. Cypress is another popular choice, since it’s strong and durable, but it also tends to warp over time. It also requires regular maintenance and upkeep.
If you’re planning to use a wooden fence, it’s a good idea to install it with an end cap. This helps prevent the ends of the fence from splintering or rotting, and it allows you to attach any additional accessories later.
You’ll find that most wooden fences come in standard sizes, so make sure you measure carefully before ordering, or else you could wind up with a fence that’s far too short. If you’re installing a fence near your house, make sure it extends past the property line by at least three feet. This gives you extra room if someone gets their car stuck in the mud.
When selecting a fence or screen made from vinyl, check to see if the manufacturer offers a warranty. Vinyl screens typically last about five years, and then you’ll need to replace them. If you’re not happy with the quality of your screen after a few years, you can always ask the company to replace it for free.
Another thing to keep in mind when purchasing a vinyl screen is that it comes in only two widths — 6 inches or 12 inches. Most homeowners who have a small patio or deck are fine with this, but if you’re planning to install a vinyl screen across a wider expanse of ground, you might want to opt for a wider unit.
Artificial Screen Materials
Vinyl mesh is another common form of screen. When installed properly, it provides privacy while still letting in light. It’s easy to cut into custom shapes, and it’s lightweight enough that you can move it around once it’s in place.
Mesh screens are available in a wide range of colors and textures, but you’ll want to choose one that blends well with your existing landscaping. They can also fade with age, so it’s important to select one that will stand the test of time.
Woven wire is another type of screen that works well. It’s usually more expensive than either vinyl or wood, but it’s also lighter, which makes it easier to handle. Wire screens can be painted to match your home’s exterior color, or you can buy pre-painted screens that don’t need to be repainted.
The downside of wire is that it often leaves gaps between the strands, so if you’re concerned about people seeing through the screen, you’ll want to purchase a thicker strand. The thickness of the wire also affects how high it can be installed.
Pine and cedar screens are yet another common choice. These are typically cheaper than vinyl mesh, but they’re not quite as weatherproof. If you have a lot of inclement weather in your area, pine and cedar screens can crack or rot over time, especially if they sit on concrete slabs.
Trellises and Arbors
A trellis is similar to a picket fence but without the horizontal pickets. Trellises work particularly well when you’re trying to block out the sun during winter months, when you don’t want a whole lot of sun to hit your house.
They’re also great additions to a garden bed, creating a sense of balance and order within the overall landscape design. Trellises are also often used to support climbing plants, or to give them added stability.
Arbors are another great addition to your garden. They offer much the same function as trellises, but arbors are designed to look better and blend into the environment better than a simple wooden fence would.
Planters
If you’re looking for a quick fix, planter boxes are a great option. They can be planted with anything you’d like, and they allow you to control the amount of sunlight that filters into your garden. If you’re worried about having a lot of bare spots in your yard, planter boxes are a good solution.
Plant life is also important when choosing a planter box. Certain plants require full sun, while others thrive in partial shade. Plants that are sensitive to drought conditions are also a consideration.
Raised Beds
Raised beds are a fantastic alternative to traditional gardens. They’re ideal for those who want to maximize their growing space, and they’re easy to maintain. Raised beds require minimal soil preparation, and they can be filled with organic matter, compost or even sand. As long as you provide adequate drainage, raised beds are also a good solution for anyone whose back yard slopes away from their home.
If you’re thinking of raising one of your own, take note that there are different types of raised beds. Some are made from lumber, while others are constructed entirely from plastic or fiberglass. In each case, you’ll want to ensure that the bed has ample drainage.
These are the various types of material that helps people in making the screen. The durability of the screen will depend on the material that a person selects fro making the same. If the person will visit on luxuryscreens.co.uk they will get the idea of the material that is used in making the screen with their possible features and advantage.
Whatever type of screening you decide to use, just remember that the goal isn’t necessarily to completely conceal your garden. Your objective is usually to reduce the amount of light that penetrates your backyard. By adding a screen or screen system to your garden, you’ll be adding value to your property.
