How to Install an Artificial Hedge on a Fence for a Seamless Look

That chainlink fence in your backyard? It’s functional, sure. Attractive? About as much as a parking lot. And while your neighbour’s kid might be adorable, watching them bounce on their trampoline while you’re trying to enjoy your morning coffee isn’t exactly the peaceful start to your day you were hoping for.

This is where artificial hedges become your modern solution – the savvy homeowner’s answer to unsightly fences and privacy concerns.

Most people discover fake hedges after killing a few real plants or getting tired of the endless maintenance. One weekend of work with artificial hedges and zip ties can completely transform a “prison yard” fence into a lush, green oasis.

So, if you’re ready to ditch the eyesore and create an evergreen boundary without the hassle of actual gardening, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the world of artificial hedge installation.

Why Choose Artificial Hedges?

Before getting into the nuts and bolts (or should we say leaves and branches?), let’s talk about why artificial hedges make sense for many homeowners.

Real hedges demand water, pruning, fertiliser, and patience – sometimes years of growth before they provide decent privacy. Artificial hedges, on the other hand, offer instant gratification and minimal maintenance.

Here’s a quick comparison that might help you decide:

The artificial hedge wall option makes particular sense for renters, people in drought-prone areas, or anyone who wants a “set it and forget it” solution.

Planning Your Installation

The difference between a hedge that looks obviously fake and one that has your neighbours doing a double-take comes down to planning and execution. Let’s start with the basics.

Measuring Your Fence

Get accurate measurements of your fence height and length. Don’t just eyeball it – use a damn tape measure. You’ll need these numbers to buy the right amount of artificial hedge material.

Add an extra 10% to your measurements to account for uneven ground and overlaps. Nothing worse than being six inches short at the end of your fence and having to make an emergency run to the store.

Selecting the Right Type

Artificial hedges come in various styles:

• Boxwood (small, dense leaves)
• Ivy (climbing vine appearance)
• Fern (more tropical look)
• Mixed foliage (varied leaf types for a more natural look)

The boxwood style is the most popular for fence coverage, but consider your regional flora. If you live in the desert, a lush tropical hedge might look suspiciously out of place. Nobody’s buying that fantasy.

Material Quality Matters

Not all fake hedges are created equal. Look for:

• UV-engineered materials (prevents fading)
• Pre-built (so no work for you)
• Dense foliage (fewer gaps mean more privacy)
• Flexible backing (easier to install and shape)

The cheapest options might save you money upfront but will likely need replacement much sooner. Don’t be penny-wise and pound-foolish here. Mid-range artificial hedges offer the best balance of quality and cost.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Ready to transform your fence? Let’s get to it.

What You’ll Need:

• Artificial hedge panels
• Heavy-duty zip ties or garden wire
• Wire cutters
• Work gloves
• Measuring tape
• Scissors or pruning shears
• Utility knife
• Optional: hedge attachment clips (available from some manufacturers)

Installation Steps:

1. Clean and Prepare Your Fence: Remove any debris, weeds, or vines. For chain link fences, check for sharp edges that might damage your artificial hedge. A clean slate makes all the difference.
2. Unroll and Fluff: Unroll your artificial hedge panels and let them “rest” for a few hours. This helps remove packaging creases. Fluff the foliage by hand to give it a more natural appearance. Yeah, you’ll look ridiculous doing this, but it matters.
3. Start at a Corner: Beginning at a corner gives you a solid anchor point. Align the top of your hedge panel with the top of the fence. Don’t rush this part.
4. Secure the Top Edge First: Use zip ties or wire to attach the top edge of your hedge to the fence. Space fasteners about 8-12 inches apart. Too sparse, and you’ll get sagging; too close, and you’re wasting materials.
5. Work Your Way Down: Once the top is secure, work your way down, attaching the middle and bottom sections. Keep the hedge pulled taut but not stretched. Think: snug, not strangled.
6. Join Panels Seamlessly: When connecting panels, overlap them slightly and use additional fasteners to prevent gaps. Fluff the foliage at the seams to hide the connection. This is where amateurs screw up and pros shine.
7. Trim Excess: Once fully attached, trim any excess material or protruding leaves with scissors or pruning shears. No need to be obsessively perfect – nature isn’t.

Hide the Fasteners: Fluff the foliage to conceal zip ties or wires. For a cleaner look, use green-coloured fasteners that blend with the hedge. White zip ties scream “fake hedge” from a mile away.

Creating a Natural Look

The difference between an artificial hedge that looks fake and one that looks natural often comes down to the final touches:

• Vary the depth slightly instead of creating a perfectly flat surface – nature hates straight lines
• Add a few real potted plants at the base to blend the transition
• Consider the strategic placement of solar-powered lights to create natural-looking shadows
• Trim irregular edges rather than perfect straight lines – seriously, put down the level

Maintenance and Care

One of the biggest perks of artificial hedges is the minimal maintenance required. However, they’re not completely maintenance-free. Sorry.

Seasonal Cleaning

• Spring: Rinse with a garden hose to remove winter dust and pollen
• Summer: Check for any sun damage and apply UV protectant spray if needed
• Fall: Remove fallen leaves that might get trapped in the foliage
• Winter: Brush off snow gently rather than allowing heavy accumulation

Extending Lifespan

To get the most years from your artificial hedge investment:

• Apply UV protectant spray (as instructed in the pack)
• Avoid pressure washing (it can damage the foliage like nobody’s business)
• Spot clean bird droppings or sap quickly with mild soap and water
• Fluff occasionally to maintain volume – yes, you’ll still look ridiculous doing this

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others’ missteps:

• Underspending: The cheapest options often look obviously fake and deteriorate quickly. You get what you pay for, folks.
• Poor Attachment: Using too few fasteners leads to sagging and gaps. Don’t be stingy with the zip ties.
• Ignoring Weight: Heavy artificial hedges need stronger attachment methods. Physics doesn’t care about your decorating plans.
• Neglecting Edges: Exposed edges where panels meet or end can ruin the illusion faster than you can say “fake plant.”
• Forgetting Seasonal Changes: Real hedges change with the seasons; an artificial one that’s bright green in January might look suspicious. Think about context.

Final Thoughts

Installing an artificial hedge wall transforms a utilitarian fence into a lush, green privacy screen with minimal effort. Unlike their living counterparts, these fake hedges don’t need watering, pruning, or fertilising – just an occasional rinse and maybe some UV protection spray.

The key to a seamless look is attention to detail during installation and choosing quality materials from the start. Take your time with the planning and installation process, and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful boundary that might just fool the neighbourhood birds.

And the next time you’re enjoying your morning coffee in blissful privacy, you can smile knowing that your “perfect hedge” hasn’t required a single minute of pruning or a drop of water. That’s a win in anyone’s book.

Remember, the best compliment for your artificial hedge installation isn’t when people say, “Nice fake hedge!” – it’s when they don’t realise it’s artificial at all. That’s when you know you’ve nailed it.

Looking for premium artificial hedges that actually look real? Designer Plants offers high-quality, UV-resistant artificial hedge solutions that are lightweight and perfect for indoors or outdoors. Our exclusive range can be reused in different areas, ensuring a perfect fit for any fence or wall project. Check us out for artificial hedges that pass the neighbour squint test.