Garden Screening – Natural & Synthetic Privacy Screening

Garden Screening for Privacy, Fences & Balconies

Garden screening is used to reduce overlooking, cover existing boundaries and create decorative screens in gardens and other outdoor spaces. Rather than being one specific product, garden screening includes several natural and manufactured materials, each with different visual and practical characteristics.

At Intergard you can choose screening for gardens, terraces, balconies and suitable existing fences. The range includes natural screening made from bamboo, willow, bark, heather, coconut and reed, as well as PVC fencing rolls, artificial hedge, composite willow and dedicated balcony privacy screens.

Which Garden Screening Should You Choose?

The best garden screening depends on the appearance you want, the required level of privacy, the supporting structure and the amount of maintenance you prefer. There is therefore no single screening material that is the best choice for every garden.

Intergard offers the following types of garden screening:

• Balcony privacy screens – screening specifically intended for suitable balcony railings and outdoor privacy applications.
• Bamboo fencing – natural screening with the distinctive appearance of bamboo canes or strips.
• Bark fencing – natural screening with a rustic bark surface.
• Heather fencing – densely textured natural screening made from heather.
• Coconut fencing – natural screening with a characteristic coarse texture.
• Artificial hedge – manufactured screening designed to create a green hedge-like appearance.
• PVC fencing rolls – manufactured screening with a uniform appearance.
• Reed mats – lightweight natural screening made from reed.
• Willow fencing rolls – natural willow screening with a rustic garden appearance.
• Composite willow screening – manufactured willow-effect screening for a more uniform appearance.

Natural Garden Screening

Natural garden screening uses materials such as bamboo, willow, heather, bark, reed and coconut to create an organic-looking garden boundary. Because these are natural materials, variations in colour, thickness, shape and texture are normal.

Natural screening works particularly well alongside plants, timber, paving and other garden materials. It can be used to soften the appearance of wire mesh or an existing fence without replacing the complete boundary.

Natural does not mean maintenance-free or indefinitely durable. Lifespan and appearance depend on the material, construction, moisture exposure, sunlight, wind and installation conditions.

Bamboo Garden Screening

Bamboo screening creates a distinctive natural screen using bamboo canes or sections. Depending on the product, bamboo screening can be constructed from whole or split bamboo.

The relatively straight structure of bamboo gives it a different appearance from more irregular natural materials such as willow or bark. Explore our bamboo fencing rolls for the available constructions and sizes.

Willow Garden Screening

Willow screening is made from natural willow stems connected together to create flexible fencing rolls. Its irregular stems and natural colour variation give it a rustic appearance that works particularly well in planted gardens.

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

Heather Garden Screening

Heather screening has a dense, textured appearance that differs considerably from the visible canes and stems of bamboo or willow. It is useful when you prefer a softer natural surface rather than a clearly defined cane structure.

See our heather fencing for the available sizes and specifications.

Bark Garden Screening

Bark screening creates a strongly textured and rustic natural boundary. It can be used to cover a suitable existing fence or supporting structure where a natural woodland-style appearance is preferred.

Compare the available bark fencing with willow, bamboo and heather if you are deciding between natural screening materials.

Reed Garden Screening

Reed mats are lightweight natural screening made from individual reed stems. Their finer construction gives them a different appearance from thicker bamboo and willow screening.

Because the construction and visual density can differ between products, check the specifications of the selected reed mats before ordering.

Coconut Garden Screening

Coconut screening provides another distinctive natural texture for garden boundaries and decorative screening. Its appearance differs considerably from cane-based materials such as bamboo, willow and reed.

See our coconut fencing for the available products and dimensions.

Synthetic Garden Screening

Synthetic garden screening is an alternative when you prefer a manufactured screen with a more uniform appearance. Within the Intergard range this includes PVC fencing rolls, artificial hedge and composite willow screening.

These products should not be described as natural screening simply because some imitate natural materials. Their composition, appearance and maintenance requirements differ from genuine bamboo, willow, heather, bark and reed.

PVC Garden Screening

PVC fencing rolls provide a consistent manufactured screening surface for suitable garden boundaries and supporting structures. They are an option when you prefer a regular appearance rather than the natural variations found in plant-based materials.

View our PVC fencing rolls for the available colours, dimensions and designs.

Artificial Hedge Screening

Artificial hedge screening creates a green, hedge-like appearance without using a living hedge. It can be useful for covering a suitable existing fence, mesh or other structure where a green screening effect is preferred.

Unlike a living hedge, an artificial hedge does not grow or require pruning. Periodic cleaning and inspection of the screen and fixings may still be necessary.

Composite Willow Screening

Composite willow screening recreates the appearance of willow using manufactured materials. Intergard composite willow screening is made from wood resin and PVC and provides more than 95% calculated visual density.

This makes composite willow screening an alternative to natural willow when a more uniform appearance and high degree of visual screening are preferred.

Garden Screening for Balconies

Balcony privacy screening can reduce direct overlooking and create a more enclosed outdoor space. Because balconies are often more exposed to wind than ground-level gardens, the screen and its fixings must be appropriate for the railing and location.

Our balcony privacy screens provide options specifically intended for this type of application.

Before fitting screening to a balcony, also check any requirements imposed by the landlord, building owner or residents' association.

How Much Privacy Does Garden Screening Provide?

The amount of privacy depends on the material, construction and density of the individual screening product. Garden screening should therefore not automatically be assumed to provide complete privacy.

Some natural materials retain visible gaps between individual stems or fibres, while denser manufactured products can substantially reduce direct views. Compare the visual density and product photographs when privacy is your main reason for installing screening.

Garden Screening for an Existing Fence

Many garden screening rolls can be fitted to an existing fence to improve privacy or change its appearance. This can avoid replacing an otherwise functional boundary simply because you prefer a different finish.

The existing fence must be stable enough to carry the additional material. Remember that adding screening to an open structure increases the surface area exposed to wind.

Garden Screening for Wire Mesh

Wire mesh can provide a practical supporting structure for many types of garden screening. Rolls can generally be positioned against the mesh and secured at multiple points with suitable outdoor fixings.

The posts, mesh and fixings must be suitable for the dimensions and wind exposure of the screen. A dense screen catches considerably more wind than uncovered open mesh.

How to Install Garden Screening

Most garden screening should be securely attached to a stable existing fence, mesh or other suitable supporting structure. Installation varies by material and product, so always check the specific instructions.

1. Measure the total length and required height.
2. Select the appropriate screening material and dimensions.
3. Check that the supporting structure is stable.
4. Position the screening at the required height.
5. Unroll or position the screen gradually.
6. Secure it at regular intervals with suitable outdoor fixings.
7. Add additional fixing points at edges and exposed areas where required.
8. Check the entire screen for secure attachment.

For natural materials, keeping the bottom clear of persistently damp soil where possible can help reduce prolonged moisture exposure.

Can Garden Screening Be Cut to Size?

Many screening rolls can be shortened in width, but the correct method depends on their construction. Products joined with wire or other bindings must be secured before cutting to prevent adjacent material from becoming loose.

Cutting the height may be more difficult because the individual canes, stems, strips or synthetic elements may also need to be shortened. Always check the individual product before cutting.

How to Measure for Garden Screening

Measure both the total width and required height of the area before ordering garden screening. Then compare these measurements with the dimensions and usable coverage of the selected rolls or screens.

For a simple continuous boundary, divide the total required width by the usable width of one roll to estimate the number required. Allow for the installation method, joins, corners and any gates or openings.

Garden Screening and Wind Load

Adding garden screening to an open fence or railing can substantially increase wind load. This is particularly important with dense privacy screens, tall boundaries, exposed gardens and balconies.

Do not rely solely on the screening itself for structural support. Posts, fences, railings, mesh and fixings must be suitable for the dimensions of the screen and conditions at the installation location.

How to Maintain Garden Screening

Maintenance depends on whether the screening is natural or synthetic and on the specific material. Natural screening should be checked for moisture-related deterioration and loose connections, while manufactured screens should be cleaned and inspected according to their product instructions.

For all screening types, periodically check the fixings and supporting structure, particularly after strong winds.

Natural or Synthetic Garden Screening?

Choose natural screening when the texture and variation of genuine plant material are central to the look of your garden; choose synthetic screening when you prefer a more consistent manufactured appearance.

Neither category is automatically better. Bamboo, willow, heather, bark, coconut and reed all have different natural characteristics, while PVC, artificial hedge and composite willow provide different manufactured alternatives. Comparing appearance, privacy, installation and maintenance is the best way to select the right screen.

Garden Screening for Trade & Larger Projects

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

Buy Garden Screening from Intergard

Buy garden screening from Intergard for additional privacy, covering existing boundaries or creating a new decorative appearance in your outdoor space. Compare natural bamboo, willow, heather, bark, coconut and reed with PVC, artificial hedge, composite willow and dedicated balcony screening.

For other types of boundary, explore our complete garden fencing range.

Frequently Asked Questions about Garden Screening

What is garden screening?

Garden screening is material used to reduce overlooking, cover an existing boundary or create a decorative screen outdoors. It includes both natural materials and manufactured alternatives.

Which types of garden screening are available?

Intergard offers bamboo, willow, heather, bark, coconut and reed screening as well as PVC fencing rolls, artificial hedge, composite willow and balcony privacy screens.

Which garden screening provides the most privacy?

The amount of privacy depends on the density and construction of the individual product. For example, Intergard composite willow screening has more than 95% calculated visual density, while natural willow screening provides approximately 85% visual screening.

Is garden screening completely opaque?

Not necessarily. Natural screening in particular can contain small gaps between stems, canes or fibres, while some denser screening products provide a higher degree of visual coverage.

What is natural garden screening?

Natural garden screening is made from plant-based materials such as bamboo, willow, heather, bark, reed or coconut. Natural variations in colour, thickness and texture are normal.

What is synthetic garden screening?

Synthetic garden screening is manufactured rather than made entirely from natural stems or fibres. Examples in this category include PVC fencing rolls, artificial hedge and composite willow screening.

Can garden screening be attached to an existing fence?

Yes, many types of garden screening can be attached to a suitable existing fence. The fence must be stable enough for the additional weight and wind load.

Can garden screening be fitted to wire mesh?

Yes, many screening rolls can be secured to stable wire mesh. Use suitable outdoor fixings at sufficient points across the screen.

Can I use garden screening on a balcony?

Yes, suitable privacy screening can be fitted to a stable balcony railing. Wind exposure and any property or building rules must also be taken into account.

Can garden screening be cut to size?

Many screening rolls can be shortened, but the correct cutting method depends on their construction. Secure any connecting wires or bindings before cutting to prevent the screen from coming apart.

How do I measure for garden screening?

Measure the total width and height of the area you want to cover and compare these measurements with the dimensions of the chosen screening. Allow for corners, joins, gates and other openings.

Does garden screening need a supporting structure?

Most flexible screening rolls require a stable fence, wire mesh, railing or other suitable structure for support. They should not automatically be treated as freestanding fencing.

Does garden screening increase wind load?

Yes, screening reduces the amount of air that can pass through an open fence or railing and can therefore increase wind load. The supporting structure and fixings must be suitable for the location.

How long does garden screening last?

There is no universal lifespan for garden screening. Durability depends on the material, product construction, installation, sunlight, moisture, wind exposure and local conditions.

Which is better: bamboo or willow screening?

Bamboo generally provides a straighter, more structured appearance, while willow has a more irregular and rustic character. The better choice depends on the appearance and specifications you prefer.

What is the difference between natural willow and composite willow screening?

Natural willow screening is made from real willow stems, whereas composite willow screening is manufactured from wood resin and PVC. Composite willow has a more uniform appearance and Intergard specifies more than 95% calculated visual density.