Garden fences and other boundaries are essential for providing shelter and privacy in a garden, but as one of the largest single elements in a plot, they can set the tone of the whole space, so don’t let their functionality prevent them from being an element of beauty.
With care, it’s possible to turn fences from faded to fabulous, walls from worn out to wonderful and hedges from ailing to amazing. All it takes is a bit of know-how and some time.
Bear in mind that all garden boundaries will require some form of maintenance so it’s vital to allow access to do this. Walls, of course, require the least input, while timber fences require treating every few years and hedges clipping at least once a year.
An unsightly or ugly fence can really bring down the look of your home and yard. While fences serve an important purpose, they aren’t always the most aesthetically pleasing elements Luckily, there are many creative ways to disguise, hide or cover up an unattractive fence With a little effort, you can completely transform the look of your fence and yard.
Add Climbing Vines and Plants
One of the easiest and most effective ways to hide an unsightly fence is to let climbing vines and plants cover it up. Vines like clematis, honeysuckle, jasmine, grapes and wisteria will readily scale fences as they grow. For quick coverage, fast growing annual climbers like morning glories or nasturtiums are great options.
To get vines to cover your fence:
- Install trellises, wires, netting or other structures on the fence for tendrils to cling to.
- For self-clinging vines like ivy, no support is needed.
- Prune back vines each year to keep growth under control.
- Mix different vine varieties for varied interest.
A lush green living fence adds natural beauty, softens hard edges and can provide flowers, fragrance and wildlife habitat.
Plant Shrubs or Hedges in Front
Planting a hedge or row of shrubs in front of a fence disguises it beautifully. Opt for evergreen varieties like boxwood, yew and arborvitae for year-round coverage. Space plants according to their mature spread. Fertilize regularly for faster fill-in.
Trim hedges once a year to maintain shape The layered look of a hedge along a fence provides depth, texture and natural appeal
Install Latticework Panels
For a clean tailored look install lattice panels over your fence. Lattices come in materials like wood, metal, vinyl and fiberglass. Look for weather-resistant varieties that attach securely to your fence using sturdy braces or hardware.
Prime and paint wood lattices to protect them. Then train climbing vines up and over the lattice pattern for an ornate garden accent. The lattice disguises the fence itself.
Create an Arbor or Pergola
Integrating an arbor, pergola or overhead trellis structure into a fence line serves to hide the fence while adding architectural interest. Use durable woods like cedar or pressure treated pine, or go with a vinyl or composite material for longevity.
Display climbing vines on your overhead structure for a pretty hideaway feel. The focal point disguises the fence attractively. Arrange patio seating underneath for a secret garden vibe.
Paint or Stain for a Facelift
A simple coat of exterior stain or paint does wonders to overhaul a weathered, worn fence. Staining in neutral wood tones helps the fence recede into the background. White paint makes the fence pop brightly. Or go bold with a lively saturated paint color.
Properly prep, clean, scrape, sand and patch fences before painting or staining for best results. Use high quality exterior grade products formulated for fences. Maintain regularly.
Hang Decorative Planters
Hanging planters filled with cascading flowers, foliage or succulents mounted directly onto fence lines easily hide drab areas. For a cohesive look, repeat the same planter and plant style along the fence.
Opt for lightweight planter materials like fiberglass, resin or plastic. Ensure hangers and brackets are sturdy enough to hold the weight when wet. Then let the lush plant spillers conceal the fence itself.
Display Art, Murals or Signs
Turn your ho-hum fence into an art installation! Painted murals, mosaic tiles, framed prints, metal sculptures, vinyl words and other artwork transform dull fences into fabulous features.
On wood, use weatherproof paints and finishes. Anything goes on solid fences and walls! Get creative with artwork displays to completely disguise the fence.
Incorporate Architectural Salvage
Give weathered, wooden fences cottage character by accessorizing with architectural salvage pieces. Try items like old doors, shutters, ironwork, columns, windows and trim details.
Paint or stain salvage to coordinate. Distress as desired. Lean or mount items against fence lines to provide visual interest that draws the eye away from the fence itself.
Grow Espalier Fruit Trees
Espalier refers to training fruit trees to grow flat along a two-dimensional structure, like a fence. The branches are pruned into formal, geometric patterns that beautifully disguise the fence.
Good espalier candidates include apple, pear, plum, apricot and figs. Construct crossbeam supports on fences for branches to weave through. This living art conceals the fence attractively.
Add Freestanding Privacy Screens
Where fences meet buildings or other structures, freestanding folding screens disguise the views while adding style. Choose screens in materials like wood, rattan, metal, PVC and fabric.
Paint or stain wood screens to coordinate with fence colors. Opaque fabric screens provide instant privacy. Move screens to access fences then replace to hide again as needed.
Display Container Gardens
Groupings of container gardens placed in front of fence lines add lush foliage and flowers that mask unattractive fences. Mix heights, shapes and sizes for depth and natural appeal.
Repetition with matching pots or colors creates cohesion. Shift containers to refresh the look. Well designed container gardens are a flexible way to hide eyesores.
Incorporate Garden Structures and Sculptures
Structures like trellises, obelisks, arbors and pergolas provide support for vines while disguising and drawing attention away from problem fence areas. Garden sculptures serve as focal points to distract from Dreary fences too.
Anchor sturdy structures securely. Select sculpture materials like metal, stone and concrete that can withstand the elements. Get creative with structures and art that hides and enhances your space!
With a little creativity and effort, you can completely transform the look of a lackluster fence. Natural solutions like vines, hedges, screens and trees work beautifully to disguise fences. Or opt for decorative structures and artwork to cover fences with style. Often combining several elements together is the most effective strategy for concealing fences in attractive ways.
Plant a hedge in front of your fence[image id=”45161″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” align=”none” title=”How to hide a fence – plant a hedge” alt=”How to hide a fence – plant a hedge” classes=””] How to hide a fence – plant a hedge
This is a long-term option, but a thin hedge planted in front of your fence will add depth to your boundary, offering additional protection from noise and wind, while looking more pleasing and providing a valuable habitat for wildlife, too. Bear in mind that, once established, you’ll need to trim your hedge at least once a year.
Paint your fence[image id=”93248″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” align=”none” title=”How to hide a fence – paint your fence” alt=”How to hide a fence – paint your fence” classes=””] How to hide a fence – paint your fence
Fences can look quite bedraggled if they’ve not been maintained in a while, but upgrades are fast and inexpensive. A lick of paint or stain visually revives a fence in a flash. Pale hues make a space feel larger, while bright colours add excitement. But if you want your fence to disappear, go dark. This might be in the form of an emerald evergreen, such as yew, or a dark paint that blends into the shadows.
Ideas to Hide Garden Fences : Professional Gardening Tips
FAQ
How do you dress up a boring fence?
Fences and walls can easily be upgraded by adding climbing plants, such as roses, clematis, jasmine and honeysuckle. Simply fix wires or trellis to the fence, which climbing plants can use for support, and which you can tie stems into as they grow.
How to block neighbors’ view over a fence?
Lattice or Trellis: Use a fence with lattice on top for added height and plant climbing vines for natural coverage. Pergolas or Gazebos: These can create a visual barrier while also serving as functional outdoor spaces. Screens: Use decorative outdoor screens or panels to block specific lines of sight.
How to make a fence look nicer?
- Understanding the best garden fence ideas.
- Consider fence toppers.
- Add decorative garden trellis panels.
- Choose the right garden fence decorations.
- Improve garden safety & aesthetics with lights.
- Keep it classic with a white picket fence.
- Go with a contemporary black fence.
- Embrace modern fence paint colours.
How do you make a bad side of a fence look good?
You could spray paint the whole fence on your side black and then add plantings . Then the fence will disappear behind the plantings . Or you could plant a tall tree in front of each pole and then have vines or hedging cedars or Virginia creeper vines that will cover the chain link .
Should you hide an unsightly fence?
‘Hiding an unsightly fence can greatly improve the aesthetics of your outdoor space, providing privacy and enhancing the overall appearance,’ explains Richard King at Dino Decking. But if you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got you covered. 1. Paint it Perhaps the simplest and cheapest option is to paint the fence.
How to hide an ugly fence?
You may also want to consider adding some decorative elements such as lattice work or scrolls to give it more visual interest. One of the best ways to hide an ugly fence is to plant some trees or bushes in front of it. This will not only provide privacy, but it will also help to block the view of the fence.
How to make an unsightly fence disappear?
So read on for ideas on how to make that unsightly fence disappear! There are many methods that can be used to hide your backyard fence in an easy way and by saving your precious time and money. The most obvious solution to an ugly fence is to simply replace it or renovate it.
What should I do if I have an ugly backyard fence?
If you have an ugly backyard fence, a fence that is in serious disrepair or a fence that does not adequately separate your yard from those of your neighbors, you basically have four options: You can replace your fence, repair your fence, hide your fence or reface your fence.
Should you put a new fence in front of an ugly fence?
Placing a new fence in front of the ugly fence is not always the most economical option. But it is an option nonetheless. It’s almost a guarantee that the neighbor’s ugly fence is going to be 6 feet tall and nearly impossible to hide.
How to hide a backyard fence?
There are many methods that can be used to hide your backyard fence in an easy way and by saving your precious time and money. The most obvious solution to an ugly fence is to simply replace it or renovate it. If the fence is old and starting to fall apart, then this may be the best option.