I forked out £2k on a blackout privacy fence – but I forgot about an important step & now everyone can still see in
That's why this homeowner decided to fork out to get some
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The homeowner fumed on TikTok after forking out for the trees
Credit: tiktok/@jennymarriner
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Some people said the trees might work next year, but not everyone was so sure
Credit: tiktok/@jennymarriner
Jenny Marriner took to TikTok to show off the trees, but she made a big mistake.
Despite paying £2,000 for the trees, which were allegedly sold as privacy trees, Jenny didn't realise she'd have to wait for them to grow in to reap their full
benefits
.
"When you pay £2k for some 'privacy trees' but they have about four leaves on each one," she captioned the clip.
In the viral video she showed the trees, which had been freshly plated along the garden fence.
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But rather than mature trees with all the leaves she was expecting, the trees offered little in the way of privacy.
But after sharing her fury online people told Jenny she was foolish to expect more.
"You should have paid £4k for mature trees then," one person slammed in the comments.
Another agreed: "You need to give it a few years, be patients, it will be worth the wait."
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But some thought it was unlikely the trees would live that long.
"Roots are going to destroy the rendered block work in a few years, if they survive that long not being planted in the ground," one said.
I hate my new build garden being overlooked so found a 5 METRE privacy fence to block out nosy neighbours for under £30
Meanwhile, others were much more hopeful for Jenny's purchase, and encouraged her to wait it out.
"Container grown trees don't grow much the first season. Wait until
next
year, should be better," one said.
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If you do want to add some privacy to your garden, these tips will help.
Paul Parker, CEO of plants and perennials specialists
said privacy can be achieved using plants.
Block sight lines
An arbour, pergola or gazebo are all easy ways of increasing privacy if you're overlooked by upper windows.
Cover any of these structures with beautiful climbing perennials or trailing plants to truly create your own natural private space.
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arieties such as clematis, climbing hydrangea, and wisteria, are great for adding privacy to your garden, also these climbing perennials are flowering vines that will come back year after year.
Cover up fences with evergreen climbers
If you want to disguise fences, balcony railings or rooftop spaces, evergreen climbers are a fantastic solution.
Star Jasmine would be my top choice, it's a hardy, vigorous grower with glossy
evergreen
foliage, so it's the perfect all-year-round cover.
In summer, it bursts into fragrant, star-shaped flowers that fill your garden with an enticing scent.
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Add bushy potted plants
Growing bushy potted plants helps give you the cover you need, and they're mobile so you can move them around whenever you like.
It's an easy way to improve privacy that also adds a good dose of foliage to your outdoor space.
Choose plants that have a good width spread to grow a privacy wall of foliage.
How to create privacy in your garden
CREATING privacy in your garden can be achieved in a number of ways depending on your budget, and the size of your space. Here are some effective ways to enhance privacy in your garden:
1. Fencing
Install a tall, solid wooden or vinyl fence. This is one of the most straightforward ways to gain immediate privacy. Or use lattice panels, trellis, or slatted fencing to add a decorative touch while still offering privacy.
2. Hedges and Plants
Fast-growing evergreen shrubs or trees like Leylandii, Thuja, or Bamboo along the boundary of your garden can help with privacy. Grow a dense hedge using plants like Boxwood, Privet, or Laurel. It may take time to grow, but it provides a natural and green privacy screen. Use climbers like Ivy, Clematis, or Wisteria on fences or trellises to create a lush, green privacy barrier.
3. Outdoor Curtains
Hang outdoor curtains around pergolas, gazebos, or patios for an easy-to-adjust privacy solution.
4. Sound Barriers
A water fountain or small waterfall can help drown out noise, adding to the sense of privacy. Or install fencing designed to reduce noise if privacy from sound is also a concern.
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- RTÉ News
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5 days ago
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Irish Daily Mirror
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