Bark Screening Rolls – Natural Bark Fencing

Bark Screening Rolls for Natural Garden Privacy

Bark screening is natural garden screening made from strips of tree bark connected together with galvanised iron wire. The result is a flexible roll that can be fitted to a suitable existing fence, wire mesh or supporting framework.

With approximately 95% visual density, Intergard bark screening can substantially reduce direct views through a boundary while retaining the distinctive texture and variation of natural bark.

What Is Bark Screening?

Bark screening consists of natural strips of tree bark joined together to form a flexible garden screening roll. Unlike manufactured PVC or artificial hedge screening, the visible surface consists of real natural material.

Variations in colour, texture, thickness, shape and surface structure are therefore normal. These natural differences contribute to the appearance of the finished screen.

Double-Layer Bark Screening

Intergard bark screening is made with two layers of bark, creating a natural visible surface on both sides. The bark strips are held together with galvanised iron wire.

This double-layer construction is particularly useful for boundaries where both sides remain visible, for example between neighbouring gardens or when screening an open mesh fence.

Approximately 95% Visual Density

Intergard bark fencing provides approximately 95% visual density. The dense double-layer construction substantially reduces direct views through the screen and makes bark suitable for garden privacy applications.

Approximately 95% visual density does not mean that the finished installation is completely opaque. Natural variations can create small openings and there may also be gaps at the edges, top, bottom or between separate rolls.

What Can Bark Fencing Be Used For?

Bark fencing can be used for privacy screening, covering existing boundaries and creating natural decorative surfaces. Typical applications include:

• garden privacy screening;
• covering wire mesh;
• covering an existing wooden fence;
• screening garden boundaries;
• creating a natural background for climbing plants;
• covering suitable walls using a supporting framework;
• decorative screening around terraces and seating areas;
• landscaping and suitable commercial outdoor projects.

Bark Screening for an Existing Fence

Bark screening can be attached to a suitable existing fence to provide additional visual screening and a natural finish. This can be useful when the existing boundary remains structurally sound but its appearance or level of privacy needs to be changed.

Before installation, check the condition of the fence and posts. Dense bark screening adds weight and increases the surface exposed to wind, so the supporting structure must be suitable for the completed installation.

Bark Screening on Wire Mesh

Wire mesh provides a practical supporting structure for bark screening rolls. The bark can be positioned against the mesh and attached at multiple points using suitable outdoor ties or other appropriate fixings.

When using wire fence panels, distribute the fixing points across the complete screen rather than securing only the corners and edges.

Bark Screening on Concrete Mesh

Suitable concrete reinforcement mesh can also be used as a supporting structure for bark screening. Once the mesh structure is securely installed, the bark roll can be positioned against it and fixed at regular intervals.

Intergard supplies concrete mesh as well as hardwood timber posts for suitable garden fencing projects.

The correct post spacing, foundations and fixing method depend on the dimensions of the installation, ground conditions and wind exposure. A fixed spacing should therefore not be prescribed for every project.

How to Install Bark Screening

Bark screening should be securely attached to a stable supporting structure such as a fence or suitable mesh. The flexible bark roll itself is screening material and should not be relied upon as a freestanding structural fence.

1. Measure the total length and required height of the boundary.
2. Check that the supporting fence or mesh is stable.
3. Position the bark screening at the required height.
4. Keep the natural bark clear of persistently damp ground where possible.
5. Secure one end before gradually unrolling the screen.
6. Attach the bark roll at regular intervals.
7. Use fixing points at several heights across the screen.
8. Add additional fixings at corners and exposed edges where required.
9. Check the finished installation for stability.

How Do You Attach Bark Screening to Wire Fencing?

Bark screening can be attached to suitable wire fencing using outdoor ties or other compatible fixings. Position the roll against the fence and secure it through the supporting construction of the bark mat at multiple points.

Do not rely on only a few ties at the top of the screen. Distributing the fixing points helps support the weight and reduces excessive movement.

How Do You Attach Bark Screening to a Wooden Fence?

Bark screening can be attached to a suitable wooden fence using appropriate outdoor staples or other compatible fixings. Make sure the fixing method secures the construction without unnecessarily damaging the bark.

The existing fence should first be checked for stability because the additional screening increases both weight and wind resistance.

Can Bark Screening Be Attached to a Wall?

Bark screening can be used to cover a suitable wall when an appropriate supporting framework is installed first. Timber battens or another suitable framework can provide fixing points for the flexible screening.

The method used to attach the supporting framework must be suitable for the wall material, the weight of the screening and the installation environment.

Can Bark Screening Be Cut to Size?

Bark screening can normally be shortened in width when the connecting wires are secured correctly before cutting. Securing the wires first helps prevent the remaining bark strips from becoming loose.

Reducing the height can be more complicated because both the bark strips and connecting construction may need to be cut. Inspect the construction carefully before making alterations.

Bark Screening with Climbing Plants

Bark screening can provide an immediate natural background while suitable climbing plants become established. This can be useful when a newly planted climber does not yet provide sufficient coverage.

Remember that mature climbing plants add weight and can increase wind resistance. The supporting fence or mesh must therefore be suitable for the combined load of the bark screening and vegetation.

How Long Does Bark Screening Last?

There is no fixed lifespan that applies to every natural bark screen. Durability depends on the bark, construction, installation, moisture exposure, ground contact, sunlight, wind and local weather conditions.

For this reason, a generic lifespan such as 15 years should not be treated as a guaranteed service life. Keeping natural bark away from persistently wet soil or standing water where possible can help reduce prolonged moisture exposure.

Does Bark Screening Need Maintenance?

Bark screening generally requires limited routine maintenance, but the natural material and fixings should be inspected periodically. Pay particular attention after storms and strong winds.

Remove accumulated leaves and debris where necessary and check for loose bark sections, damaged connecting wires or weakened fixings.

Does Bark Screening Increase Wind Load?

Yes, dense bark screening increases the wind load acting on an open fence or mesh structure. With approximately 95% visual density, considerably less air can pass directly through the covered boundary than through uncovered mesh.

Posts, panels, foundations and fixings must therefore be appropriate for the height, dimensions and exposure of the completed installation.

Can Bark Screening Be Used for Shade?

Bark screening can reduce some direct sunlight depending on its density and position, but it should not automatically be considered a dedicated sunshade. It has no implied or specified solar-protection performance unless this is documented for the individual product.

For overhead applications, also consider the additional loads and wind forces acting on the supporting structure.

Bark Screening or Willow Screening?

Bark screening has a rough, layered surface, while willow screening consists of clearly visible individual willow stems. Both are natural materials but create distinctly different appearances.

Intergard willow fencing rolls use natural willow stems with an average diameter of approximately 8–10mm and provide approximately 85% visual screening.

Bark screening is the more relevant option when you prefer a dense, textured bark surface and approximately 95% visual density.

Bark Screening or Heather Screening?

Bark screening consists of visible strips of tree bark, whereas heather screening is made from fine dried heather branches. Heather therefore creates a finer brushwood texture, while bark has a broader and more pronounced natural surface.

Compare our heather fencing rolls if you prefer a brushwood-style screen.

Bark Screening or Bamboo Screening?

Bark and bamboo are both natural screening materials but have very different structures. Bark creates an irregular layered surface, whereas bamboo has a straighter cane or strip appearance.

See our bamboo fencing rolls if you prefer the more structured appearance of bamboo.

Bark Screening or Reed Mats?

Bark screening has a dense, coarse texture, while reed mats have a finer and more linear stem structure. Reed therefore creates a visually lighter boundary than double-layer bark screening.

Compare our reed mats when a finer natural screen is preferred.

How Much Bark Screening Do I Need?

Measure the total length and required height of the boundary before ordering bark screening. Compare these measurements with the dimensions of the selected roll.

For a straight boundary, divide the total length to be screened by the usable length of one roll. Take separate sections, corners, gates and any required joins into account.

Bark Screening for Trade & Larger Projects

Intergard also supplies bark screening to trade and professional customers. For pallet quantities, larger landscaping projects or commercial enquiries, please contact Intergard with the required dimensions, quantity and delivery address.

Buy Bark Screening Rolls from Intergard

Buy bark screening rolls from Intergard for dense natural privacy screening and decorative garden boundaries. With its double-layer construction, natural bark surface and approximately 95% visual density, bark screening provides a distinctive alternative to willow, bamboo, heather and reed.

Explore our complete garden screening range to compare natural and manufactured screening materials.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bark Screening

What is bark screening?

Bark screening is natural garden screening made from strips of tree bark connected together with wire to form a flexible roll. It is used to cover fences, mesh and other suitable supporting structures.

How much privacy does bark screening provide?

Intergard bark screening provides approximately 95% visual density. The final level of privacy also depends on the installation and any gaps around or between the rolls.

Is bark screening completely opaque?

No, approximately 95% visual density does not mean that bark screening is completely opaque. Small openings can occur because bark is a natural material.

Is Intergard bark screening double-sided?

Yes, the bark screening described in this category has a double-layer construction that creates a natural visible surface on both sides.

What holds the bark strips together?

The bark strips are connected with galvanised iron wire. The wire holds the natural material together as a flexible screening roll.

Can bark screening be attached to wire mesh?

Yes, stable wire mesh provides a practical supporting structure for bark screening. Secure the roll at multiple points using suitable outdoor fixings.

Can bark screening be attached to a wooden fence?

Yes, bark screening can be attached to a suitable wooden fence. Appropriate outdoor staples or other compatible fixings can be used depending on the construction.

Can bark screening be attached to a wall?

Yes, bark screening can be used to cover a wall when a suitable supporting framework is provided. The framework and its fixings must be appropriate for the wall and installation conditions.

Can bark screening be cut to size?

Bark screening can normally be shortened in width if the connecting wires are secured before cutting. This helps prevent the remaining bark strips from becoming loose.

Can climbing plants grow over bark screening?

Suitable climbing plants can be grown in front of or around bark screening when adequate support is available. Remember that established vegetation adds weight and wind resistance to the structure.

How long does bark screening last?

There is no universal lifespan for natural bark screening. Durability depends on construction, installation, moisture, sunlight, wind, ground contact and local weather conditions.

Does bark screening need maintenance?

Bark screening generally requires limited routine maintenance, but periodic inspection is recommended. Check the bark, connecting wires and fixings and remove accumulated debris when necessary.

Can bark screening be used for shade?

Bark screening can reduce some direct sunlight depending on its density and position. It should not automatically be treated as a dedicated or performance-rated sunshade.

Does bark screening increase wind load?

Yes, dense bark screening increases the wind load acting on a fence or mesh structure. The supporting posts, panels and fixings must be suitable for the completed installation.

What is the difference between bark and willow screening?

Bark screening has a layered, textured bark surface, whereas willow screening consists of individual natural willow stems. Bark also provides approximately 95% visual density, while the Intergard willow screening described in its category provides approximately 85% visual screening.