Garden Fence Privacy

SUPERGIRL2020

I have a nosy parker neighbour who makes me feel uncomfortable when I sit in my back garden even though this fence is there I can still feel her presence. 

I want some privacy what do you people recommend?

Emmia

It depends on what you're willing to spend and how quickly you want privacy - you could put up some faux greenery panels, which would be pretty instant - and perhaps plant in front too to provide a more attractive option...

https://www.primrose.co.uk/50cm-ivy-bush-artificial-hedge-panel

https://www.primrose.co.uk/extendable-artificial-laurel-leaf-fencing-screening-trellis-2-0m-x-1-0m-6ft-7in-x-3ft-3in-by-papillontm

You can get stuff with LED lights too... 
https://www.primrose.co.uk/extendable-artificial-red-acer-fencing-screening-trellis-with-leds-2-0m-x-1-0m-6ft-7in-x-3ft-3in-by-papillontm

But if the low fence is yours, you'll need to put up supports to hold the greenery.

Ebe_Scrooge

SUPERGIRL2020 said:

(Removed by Forum Team)

Believe me the thought has crossed my mind 🤣

LOL.  OK, seriously - am I right in thinking that the taller fence is your neighbour's?  If so, you can't do anything about that (I'm assuming your neighbour wouldn't be open to going halves on replacing the whole thing?).  So the simplest options would seem to be either to replace that small picket fence (which I assume is yours?) with a higher one (check your local council website to check what the maximum permitted height is - I think it's usually 2 metres).  Or as I mentioned before, you could plant some shrubs.  Choose plants that will grow to about 5 or 6 feet or whatever - a pruning once a year is probably all they'll need in the way of maintenance once they're established.

SUPERGIRL2020

Emmia said:

It depends on what you're willing to spend and how quickly you want privacy - you could put up some faux greenery panels, which would be pretty instant - and perhaps plant in front too to provide a more attractive option...

https://www.primrose.co.uk/50cm-ivy-bush-artificial-hedge-panel

https://www.primrose.co.uk/extendable-artificial-laurel-leaf-fencing-screening-trellis-2-0m-x-1-0m-6ft-7in-x-3ft-3in-by-papillontm

You can get stuff with LED lights too... 
https://www.primrose.co.uk/extendable-artificial-red-acer-fencing-screening-trellis-with-leds-2-0m-x-1-0m-6ft-7in-x-3ft-3in-by-papillontm

But if the low fence is yours, you'll need to put up supports to hold the greenery.

Thanks thats some good ideas

TELLIT01

If the lower fence is yours you could replace the entire thing with a close boarded fence up to 2 metres high.  It would look a lot better than the current mess for you and for your neighbour.  If the lower fence isn't yours you could erect one on your property adjacent to the existing one.

SUPERGIRL2020

Ebe_Scrooge said:

SUPERGIRL2020 said:

(Removed by Forum Team)

Believe me the thought has crossed my mind 🤣

LOL.  OK, seriously - am I right in thinking that the taller fence is your neighbour's?  If so, you can't do anything about that (I'm assuming your neighbour wouldn't be open to going halves on replacing the whole thing?).  So the simplest options would seem to be either to replace that small picket fence (which I assume is yours?) with a higher one (check your local council website to check what the maximum permitted height is - I think it's usually 2 metres).  Or as I mentioned before, you could plant some shrubs.  Choose plants that will grow to about 5 or 6 feet or whatever - a pruning once a year is probably all they'll need in the way of maintenance once they're established.

Yes you are right about the fences, wouldn't shrubs be costly tho? 

SUPERGIRL2020

TELLIT01 said:

If the lower fence is yours you could replace the entire thing with a close boarded fence up to 2 metres high.  It would look a lot better than the current mess for you and for your neighbour.  If the lower fence isn't yours you could erect one on your property adjacent to the existing one.

Yes the lower fence is mine. Im really bad at DIY how hard would it be to fit a close boarded fence?

Bradden

SUPERGIRL2020 said:

Yes the lower fence is mine. Im really bad at DIY how hard would it be to fit a close boarded fence?

If you're not confident at DIY then google fencing contractors near you.

Ebe_Scrooge

SUPERGIRL2020 said:

Yes you are right about the fences, wouldn't shrubs be costly tho? 

Depends how many you'll need, obviously, and what you go for, but it shouldn't be that much - quite probably cheaper than a fence.  It's just an idea - some people prefer a more natural look rather than a fence, and it would probably require less maintenance overall.  Personal preference, though.

SUPERGIRL2020 said:

Yes the lower fence is mine. Im really bad at DIY how hard would it be to fit a close boarded fence?

It's not that difficult, especially if it's not a very long run.  Hard work in terms of digging and mixing concrete, but not actually that difficult.  But as Bradden says, odds on you'll be able to find at least one fencing contractor near you.  As always, ask for personal recommendations from friends, neighbours or a local Facebook page.

Bendy_House

You have short concrete posts - how solid and secure are they in the ground?

And, how tall do you want this?

Oh, and is it fairly sheltered, or will wind be an issue (matron!)?

If secure, these concrete posts can be used as 'stubs' to which to bolt/clamp taller timber posts - even 3x2 will probably do. Then you fit your choice of screen to these - could be a roll of bamboo stalks, that artificial planting shown above, trellis (like your neighb has on their side) to which you grow climbers, or even a 'proper' fence - tho' this would be heavier, so the posts will have to be stronger.

For most of these options, you'll also need to run horizontal 'arris'-type rails between the posts, at least two (one near t'top, and t'bott) to which to attach the screening.

Try a Google for "garden screening" and you'll see lots of options.

You cannot add anything to the neighbour's fence.

Northern_Wanderer

Bamboo plants in wide pots (clumping variety safest, not runners unless you really want to P the neighbour off) can grow quickly and make a nice screen. You can trim them to the height you want. Does take a few years to bush out but grows taller quicker than a hedge.