One Smart Hack Turns Any Short Fence Into A Lush Privacy Wall
When you're relaxing in your backyard, the last thing you want is to see your neighbors going about their daily business. But if your yard has a short fence, the only other options are to deal with it or to rip it out and install a taller one, right? Nope. With one smart hack, you can not only increase your privacy but add an incredible, lush greenery wall. The secret? Galvanized steel mesh.
Wondering why you should DIY a privacy wall? It's more cost-efficient than replacing it and you can create the exact look you want, like a greenery wall. Plus, thanks to galvanized steel mesh's water resistance and strength, it's durable enough to withstand the outdoor elements and plants.
Before you start the DIY, make sure your fence is sturdy. Check that at least one third of the fence posts are in the ground, and for bonus points, make sure they're set in concrete for ultimate stability. Steel or pressure-treated wood fence posts are typically the best option if possible. Finally, do a visual inspection. Are there any posts or slats that are falling apart or have damage? Repair any issues before you get started.
How to create a greenery privacy wall in your backyard
Once your fence is sturdy, it's time to build the frames. First, decide how high you want the privacy wall to be. Next, measure the space between the fence posts to determine how long each frame should be. Then grab some treated wood and begin assembling your frames. Furring strips are a great choice for this DIY because they're lightweight, relatively inexpensive, and easy to find. Look for treated wood if possible, but if you can't find it, apply a sealant like Thompson's WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproof Stain, to prevent water damage. Cut the boards to size, then assemble and secure with screws. Then unroll the galvanized steel mesh, cut to size, and attach to your wood frame with a staple gun.
Next, attach the mesh frames to your fence posts. For extra stability, consider mounting 1x4 planks to the fence posts, then attach the privacy wall panels to that. Once attached, plant your climbing plant, tie the stems to the galvanized mesh, and water.
Not sure how to grow climbing plants on a fence or the best varieties to use? Consider what kind of sunlight the privacy wall will get and for how long. As for varieties, crossvine or trumpet honeysuckle are wonderful options, but check what zone you're in to find the right plant. Don't have a green thumb? You can still add extra privacy to any backyard fence with a gorgeous faux greenery wall by simply weaving faux vines through the mesh instead of a climbing vine.