Buzz
Chain-link fences are widely used for fencing, but they often lack privacy due to their open design. Fortunately, there are several ways to block outside views. Bamboo screens are an affordable option that provides excellent coverage, or you can build wooden slats to cover the fence. If you enjoy gardening, consider planting shrubs along the fence to create the privacy you desire for your backyard.
Steps
Install Bamboo Screens
Purchase bamboo screens. These are available online or at home improvement stores. Bamboo screens come in rolls that you can unroll and attach to your fence. This is a cost-effective solution compared to buying wooden slats or replacing the entire fence.
- Rolls of bamboo screens typically cost between $20 and $100.
Place a wooden board on the ground in front of the fence. Purchase a long board from a home improvement store, approximately 20 cm wide and 5 cm thick. Position the board at one end of the fence. This board will be used to lift the bamboo screen.
- The board provides a flat surface to support the bamboo screen and keep it elevated from damp ground.
Unroll the bamboo screen along the fence. Stand the bamboo roll upright on the board, close to the fence. Hold the roll steady and unroll it to one side. Keep the roll vertical while unrolling as far as possible.
- Unroll slowly. Secure the fence before moving the board to ensure the bamboo screen remains stable.
Attach wire ties to the top of the fence at intervals of about 30 cm. Starting from the fence post, wrap the wire around the bamboo screen, threading it through the screen toward the chain-link fence. Twist the wire around the fence's metal bar to secure the bamboo screen.
- You can purchase pre-cut fence ties or buy 30 cm lengths of galvanized wire from hardware stores.
- Alternatively, use zip ties. While less durable due to being plastic, they are easier to handle than wire.
Twist and clamp the wire to secure the bamboo screen to the fence. On the other side of the fence, twist the wire ends together. Use wire cutters to trim excess wire, then twist the ends tightly with pliers.
Add a second row of wire ties at the base of the fence. Secure another row of wire ties about 30 cm above the ground. Each tie should align with the top row and be spaced 30 cm apart.
- Follow the same method described above to secure the wire. This ensures the bamboo screen is firmly attached to the chain-link fence.
Repeat the process of unrolling the bamboo screen and attaching it to the chain-link fence. Slide the wooden board along the fence after completing each section. Continue using the board as a base to lift and unroll the bamboo screen. Keep going until the entire fence is covered.
- You may need multiple rolls of bamboo to cover a long fence.
Plant Trees and Shrubs
Measure the length, width, and height of the planting area. Measure the space beforehand to choose suitable plants. Use a tape measure along the fence, noting the distance between the fence and nearby structures. Measure the fence height to determine how tall the plants need to be.
- Shrubs in the U.S. cost around $15 to $60 per plant.
- Plants can form a natural barrier but require weekly maintenance and may take years to reach full size.
- You can also plant climbing vines as an alternative to shrubs.
Choose plants that suit your planting area. Select plants that meet your needs and are suitable for your region. Consider the local climate and whether the plants need to thrive in sunlight, dry soil, or maintain color year-round.
- For example, you might choose arborvitae, an evergreen that grows tall and works well in front of fences.
- Deciduous shrubs like hydrangeas or rose of Sharon lose leaves in winter, so they won’t provide year-round privacy.
Space the planting spots evenly along the fence. Use wooden stakes to mark each planting point. The spacing depends on the growth requirements of the plants. Proper spacing ensures the plants will fully cover the fence when mature.
- Leave 15-20 cm between trees and 8-10 cm between shrubs.
- You can also use a string between stakes to ensure straight alignment.
Dig planting holes with a depth equal to and a width three times the size of the plant's root ball. For potted plants, ensure the hole matches the pot's depth. Test the hole's depth by placing the pot inside, then widen it to give the roots ample space to grow.
- Avoid planting the pot directly in the ground. Remove the plant from the pot before planting to allow the roots to spread.
- For bare-root shrubs, consider digging a trench along the fence for easier planting.
Place the plant in the hole and cover the roots with soil. Plant each shrub at the marked stake locations. Position the plant in the center of the hole and fill soil up to the root collar, where the stem meets the roots. Firm the soil by gently tamping it down to remove air pockets.
- Compost or soil additives aren’t necessary at this stage. Compost can be added as a top layer after the first year.
Spread mulch around the planting area. Purchase organic mulch like pine bark or straw from garden stores. Apply a layer 5-8 cm thick. Mulch protects plants from harsh weather and retains soil moisture.
- Spread mulch around the holes, keeping it away from the plant stems to prevent rot.
Water the plants immediately after planting, then weekly. Use a hose to thoroughly soak the soil after planting, ensuring water reaches the roots. Water the soil directly, avoiding the foliage to prevent root rot.
- For consistent watering, set up a garden hose nearby and let it drip for about 30 minutes.
- Check soil moisture by inserting a stick into the ground. If the soil is moist, the stick will slide in easily without resistance.
Prune shrubs and bushes a few times a year. At a minimum, maintain plants in spring and fall. Invest in quality pruning shears. Trim the tops and sides evenly, keeping the top wider than the base to allow sunlight to reach lower branches.
- Regular pruning encourages shrubs to grow taller and look neater.
- For trees like arborvitae or cedar, let branches grow naturally, trimming only excess growth when needed.
Build a Wooden Slat Fence Cover
Cut wood into slats to create the fence cover. You’ll need two cedar planks, each about 2 meters long and 2.5 cm x 8 cm in size, along with 12 additional cedar strips of the same length. Purchase the wood from a hardware store and request custom cuts if needed.
- The cost for materials is around $50, but this may vary depending on the type of wood used.
- Adjust the slat sizes based on your fence dimensions.
- If cutting the wood yourself, wear safety goggles and a mask for protection.
- Pre-made wooden slats are available at hardware stores but can be more expensive.
Attach smaller wood strips to a main plank. Use one cedar plank as the top rail of the fence cover, laying it horizontally on the ground. Place two smaller strips vertically on the plank, ensuring they extend 10 cm beyond the plank’s edges.
- These smaller strips will attach to the fence and hold the slats in place.
Nail the strips to the side planks. Carefully flip the planks so the strips are on top. Align the strips perpendicularly, ensuring they are straight. Secure them by driving nails through the strips into the side planks.
- Ensure the side planks are balanced; otherwise, the slats won’t align properly when installed.
Attach the bottom rail to the side planks. Repeat the process by selecting another strip for the bottom rail. Position it slightly higher, about 0.7 cm from the ends of the side planks. Use two nails to secure it.
- This elevation prevents the bottom rail from touching damp ground.
Space the remaining wood strips evenly and secure them with nails. The leftover cedar strips will form the slats. Measure the distance between the top and bottom rails. Position the cedar strips perpendicularly between them and nail them in place.
- Ensure the edges of the strips are aligned. Avoid having some strips protrude longer than others.
Use rope to tie the wooden slats to the fence. Lift the slats off the ground and position them where you want to hang them on the fence. Use rope or fence ties to secure the top rail of the slats to the chain-link fence. Add more rope to tie the bottom rail of the slats to the fence.
- Adjust the slats to fit as closely as possible to the fence. If the slats aren’t straight, your measurements might be off.
Mark the positions for pipe straps on the side planks. Pipe straps are used to secure the wooden slats to the chain-link fence. These straps will attach to the side planks and the top metal rail of the fence. Hold the straps against the planks to estimate alignment, then mark the spots for screws with a pencil.
- Pipe straps can be purchased at hardware stores. You’ll need two straps to secure the slats.
Drill holes at the marked spots. Remove the rope or ties holding the slats to the fence. Lower the slats to the ground and use a power drill with a ¼-inch (0.64 cm) bit to drill through the side planks and wood strips.
- Each pipe strap requires two attachment points, so you’ll need to drill a total of four holes.
- Wear safety goggles and protective gear while drilling.
Attach the pipe straps to the slats and fence. Position the pipe straps on the side planks. Secure the top of each strap with a 5 cm screw. Lift the slats, attach the straps to the top rail of the chain-link fence, and fasten the bottom ends with two additional screws.
- Tighten washers and nuts over each screw to secure the slats firmly.
- For longer fences, repeat this process to add more slat panels.
Tips
- If your yard has good drainage, consider planting shrubs. Choose plants that thrive in your local climate.
- Building your own wooden slats is cheaper than buying pre-made ones from stores.
- Wooden fence covers are easier to repair since you only need to replace damaged slats.
- You can stain the wooden slats to enhance durability and paint them for a more appealing look.
Warnings
- Some areas have regulations regarding fence decorations. Check local rules to avoid issues.
- Power tools can be dangerous, so always wear safety goggles and use protective gear when working.
What You'll Need
Install Bamboo Screens
- Rolls of bamboo screens
- Wooden board
- Wire ties
- Wire cutters
- Pliers
Plant Trees and Shrubs
- Plants
- Shovel
- Garden hose
- Organic mulch
- Pruning shears
- Gardening gloves
- Wooden stakes
- String
- Tape measure
Build and Hang Wooden Slats
- Two cedar planks measuring 2.5 cm × 8 cm and 2 meters in length
- Twelve cedar wood strips, each 2 meters long
- Two pipe straps with a 4 cm diameter
- Fifty steel nails
- Four 5 cm dowels
- Four knobs along with washers
- A drill
- A ¼ inch drill bit
- A hammer
- A square angle measuring tool
- A pencil
- Rope or elastic cargo straps
