If you have just started looking into your screening options then you will have undoubtedly been overwhelmed by all the different options out there. Luckily, I have gathered my favourite garden screening ideas into this one complete article so you can find the ultimate solution for your individual privacy needs.
Quick Growing Trees
The all-time popular choice is a screen created from trees. Seen as though you are here though I will guess you are starting from scratch and don’t want to wait 10-20 years for some trees to grow.
For that reason, you are much more limited on what variety of trees you can grow, you need specific quick-growing varieties if you don’t want to wait a decade for any privacy!
Leylandii
When it comes to hedges, it’s inevitable you think of Leylandii and for good reason too. This is one of the fastest-growing trees, growing up to 90cm a year!
This conifer is evergreen so looks good all year round, on top of that, they grow well in most conditions and don’t require extensive care. A good prune every year will keep it under control.
You can easily see why leylandii is an ever-popular choice for gardens all over the UK. You do need to keep on top of this tree however, let it grow too tall, and it will be harder to bring back under control.
However, a trim every now and again will be more than enough to keep it under control.
Bamboo
If you are after something a little more exotic than a conifer, then maybe Bamboo might be the perfect alternative for you.
Being a member of the grass family bamboo really knows how to grow fast, making it a popular choice for an outdoor privacy screen.
Phyllostachys Humilis (commonly called Scottish bamboo) is a dense growing Bamboo frequently used for privacy screening.
The shoots on this Bamboo grow from pretty much the bottom of the stem, unlike many other varieties making it a good choice for screening. It also tolerates pruning and can have the top nipped out to promote even denser growth.
One thing to be cautious of when growing Bamboo is that many species are invasive and, given the chance, will spread like wildfire. Either get a non-invasive variety or grow in pots to prevent this.
Cherry Laurel
Laurel is one of the most popular choices for newer hedges, and cherry laurel is the perfect variety for growing as a hedge.
This evergreen tree is quick growing, hardy and can be easily pruned and trimmed, making it another ideal screening plant.
I think Laurel looks nicer than a Leylandii but this is just personal preference so if these two are your options choose whichever you prefer the look of!
Fencing
Obviously, if you are thinking of creating some privacy screens in your garden, then you will have thought about fencing. But there are soo many options, which will work best for you and your budget?
Wooden fence panels with concrete posts
The standard British fence. The concrete posts are fixed into the ground and then fence panels can be slid in from the top.
This style of fence is quick to assemble and reasonably priced. Wooden posts can be used over concrete and there are a few slight differences between these two styles.
Wooden posts are cheaper but will not last as long as concrete. With a concrete post, the fence panels are rarely actually attached to the post.
This is obviously a security issue if the panels can be simply slid up for simple access to your garden.
Custom Built Wooden Fence
A custom-built fence is the next level up from a standard wooden panel fence. This fence will be stronger than a regular panel fence but more expensive.
You can build one of these yourself if you a competent DIY’er, or you could hire a joiner or fencing specialist to do this job for you.
Cedar Slat Fence
A cedar slat fence is a modern elegant fence that I personally think looks amazing, but their looks come with a heavy price.
Cedar slats are anything but cheap. So even a self-build here will set you back a decent chunk of cash. But are the looks worth it, well that comes down to your individual circumstance and budget.
Espalier Fruit Trees For Screening
You can grow fruit trees in an espalier to form a privacy shield. While normally grown against a wall they can be used as a separator all on their own.
You will also get the added benefit of a fruit tree harvest. So an outdoor privacy screen that also produces fruit!
Edible Hedge
Growing something edible as a hedge is another way to grow your own privacy screen.
I have a whole article dedicated to this which you can find here.