A hedge is not always suitable as an enclosure, for example because there is not enough space or you shy away from the regular pruning work. In the following article you will find out what other options are available for protecting the garden from prying eyes.
Gabions combined with climbing plants are a beautiful, airy alternative to the hedge
A privacy fence creates intimacy
Privacy fences can be easily integrated into the garden design. They create a cozy atmosphere, but at the same time take up little space and are therefore also suitable for small properties. The elements required for such a fence are available in different materials and a variety of designs, so that they can be easily adapted to local conditions.
When setting up the privacy screen, you should consider the following points:
- Use sufficiently thick square timber for fastening.
- These are anchored in the ground with drive-in sleeves.
- In very windy areas, lateral stabilization with storm anchor posts is recommended.
The brick screen
High walls form a stable enclosure of the property. If you want a green enclosure, but your neighbors don't, you can plant climbing plants on one side or plant in the crevices of a natural stone wall.
All garden walls need a foundation that can also be easily laid by laymen. In order for the small structure to be statically stable, it should reach down to the frost line of eighty centimeters into the ground.
With dry stone walls, water must not penetrate from above. The top of the wall should therefore be covered accordingly.
Walls made of brick or concrete blocks must be built up with mortar. With a dry stone wall, the corners and edges of the stones and the careful construction ensure stability.
Modern gabions
These baskets filled with stones are becoming increasingly popular. You can buy these pre-assembled in hardware stores in various widths and heights. With these, the privacy screen can be implemented relatively easily on your own.
tips
How high a privacy screen can be is determined by the development plans of the cities and municipalities. If the alternative to the hedge is also understood as a “border facility”, i.e. as a boundary to the neighboring property, you must ask your neighbor for permission.