11 new build garden screening ideas

New build gardens are all too often bare, boxy, and overlooked, with effective garden screening being a key priority for many homeowners. But turning your exposed square of turf into a private and tranquil oasis can seem like a tricky feat.

However, with our selection of garden screening ideas, you’ll discover a range of ways to not only create privacy, but incorporate some visually appealing outdoor features too.

Why should privacy be central to your new build garden ideas?

If you’re purchasing a home on a new build estate, your garden will probably be overlooked. After all, new build gardens often back onto each other and they’re becoming smaller and smaller. So, finding even a corner that isn’t overlooked can be a challenge!

Not only that, but new build gardens are often unfinished when you move into your property. That means you’ll be landed with a bare, boxy patch of land without any features to shelter you from your neighbours’ prying eyes!

Luckily, there are lots of easy ways to help bring some privacy to your new build garden – and most of them won’t cost the earth.

Garden screening ideas for overlooked new builds

Check out these 11 garden screening ideas to give your overlooked new build home some much-needed privacy.

1. Plant trees for garden screening

Planting trees in the eyeline of neighbouring windows can be a fantastic way to give your garden some privacy, as well as some much-needed visual interest. Make sure to research which trees will be suitable for your garden and consider the shade they’ll create. Just bear in mind you’ll need to be patient – trees don’t just spring up overnight!

2. Opt for garden privacy screens

If you’re after a quicker solution, consider a purpose-made garden privacy screen. Screens for gardens come in different shapes, sizes, and materials. So you’re sure to find one that meets your privacy needs and suits your taste too!

3. Use trellis to create screens for your garden

Garden trellis is one of our favourite garden screening ideas. You can attach it to your existing fence panels to cover any gaps, place it above your fence to add height, or even place it freestanding in your garden to screen a seating area. Grow climbing plants over it or add artificial leaves to create a beautiful green oasis.

4. Incorporate a pergola into your garden ideas for privacy

Garden pergolas can be a great way to create a cosy outdoor seating area. Not only will they provide soft screening from neighbouring homes, but they’ll also form a stylish focal point for your garden. This timber pergola features a classic design with hanging baskets and trellis sides perfect for climbing plants. However, you can also get more contemporary designs, such as pergolas with retractable roofs!

5. Sunshades make fantastic garden screening ideas

If you’re dealing with a small new build garden, investing in multifunctional garden screening ideas can be wise. Luckily, sunshades make the perfect garden screen on a sunny day. This shade sail is contemporary and stylish, but we also love the idea of a cute striped awning if you’re after a more classic look.

6. Consider where you place your garden seating

As well as investing in garden screening ideas, make sure to think about which areas of your outdoor space offer the most privacy when you’re planning out your seating areas. For instance, instead of facing your garden seating outwards, why not point it towards your house? This could reduce the feeling of being overlooked and help you to feel less exposed when you’re relaxing in your garden.

7. Plant fast-growing hedges as garden screening

Hedges (usually) come without the height restrictions that fences come with. So, they can be a characterful way to make your garden more private – plus, they can help you create an eco-friendly garden by providing food and shelter to wildlife too! If you want enhanced privacy sooner rather than later, consider fast-growing varieties such as Cherry Laurel, Privet, and Bamboo.

8. Combine multiple screening ideas for gardens

Don’t feel like you have to just pick one screening idea. By incorporating several, you’ll increase your garden’s privacy and give it more visual interest too! This garden features a tall hedge to shield the seating area from prying eyes, as well as raised beds with smaller trees and bushes – these serve to fill any gaps and give the sofa a feeling of being nestled in a tranquil haven.

9. Create privacy with a living wall

If you’re dreaming of turning your boxy garden into a green oasis, creating a living wall will be a solution that’s right up your street. Use it to cover your existing fencing or to zone areas of your garden – either way, it’s a great tool for creating an intimate, foliage-filled area for you to chill outdoors in peace.

10. Embrace arches and arbours

Arches and arbours might at first seem better suited to a farmhouse or cottage garden than a new build. But in reality, they can be a great way to divide up your garden, create intimate nooks and zones, and create a real journey through the space. Plus, it’s all about what you choose to grow up them – pick Wisteria or climbing roses for an English countryside feel or low-maintenance Ivy for an understated look.

11. Install a summerhouse

Last but not least, installing a garden shelter such as a summer house could be the perfect hideaway if you’re on the hunt for privacy. As well as giving you a way to enjoy your garden on a blustery day, the right summerhouse could be the perfect aesthetic addition to your outdoor space. It’ll probably be tall enough to act as an extra privacy screen too – even when you’re chilling next to your summerhouse instead of inside it!

Key takeaways for garden screening

• Consider natural ways to screen your garden from your neighbours – such as planting trees and growing hedges
• Trellis or garden screens offer a quicker way to solve your privacy problems
• Incorporate multiple garden screening ideas to give you the best chance of enjoying your garden in peace and privacy

Ready to bring your new build overlooked privacy ideas to life? Add your postcode below to find a landscaper near you to help.