We all value our privacy. Whether you are sunbathing, having a BBQ, or just reading a book, you don't want the neighbors watching your every move.
The obvious solution is a big, solid 6ft fence. But there is a downside. While a high solid fence stops people looking in, it can also block out the sunlight and make smaller gardens feel claustrophobic—the dreaded "prison yard" effect.
The good news is that you don't have to choose between security and beauty. Here is how to soften the look while keeping the height.
The Magic Solution: Trellis Toppers
Instead of installing a solid 6ft (1.8m) panel, we often recommend a "5+1" system.
This involves installing a solid 5ft fence panel, topped with a 1ft (300mm) section of Trellis or Lattice.
Why this works:
- Maintains Height: The total height is still 6ft, so it is just as difficult for an intruder to climb over.
- Lets Light In: Because the top foot is open mesh, sunlight can filter through into your garden (and your neighbor's), keeping the space feeling airy.
- Visual Break: It breaks up the "wall of wood," adding decorative detail to the boundary line.
The "Green Wall": Best Climbers for Fences
A fence doesn't just have to be a boundary; it can be a vertical garden. By adding trellis, you create a ladder for nature to climb.
Here are our top plant recommendations for Bristol gardens:
1. Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)
This is the ultimate fence climber. It is Evergreen (so it keeps its leaves and your privacy in winter), it grows relatively fast, and in summer it produces hundreds of small white flowers that smell incredible.
2. Clematis Armandii
Another powerful evergreen. It has large, leathery leaves that create a thick screen, perfect for blocking out an ugly view or a nosy neighbor.
3. Honeysuckle
Perfect for a "Cottage Garden" look. It’s a bit messier and wilder, but it attracts bees and fills the garden with scent in the evening.
Important Tip: If you plan to grow heavy plants on your fence, let us know! We will need to use heavy-duty posts and screw the trellis in securely to handle the extra weight of the foliage during a storm.
Wire Systems vs. Trellis
If you prefer a modern, minimalist look, you don't even need a wooden trellis.
We can install a Stainless Steel Tension Wire system across the face of your fence panels. This is almost invisible to the eye until the plants start growing up it. It’s a fantastic way to turn a boring cedar or pine fence into a "living wall" of green.
Want to soften your boundary?
Whether you want a Diamond Lattice topper for a traditional look or a Slatted topper for a modern vibe, we can build it.