I’m fed up with my trashy neighbours but can’t afford to build a privacy fence – people reckon an 89p hack is the answer
A HOMEOWNER has been left struggling to find a cheap privacy fence after years of struggling with their “trashy neighbours”.
The person admitted they needed a 24ft wide fence to block out the view of the residents next door, but doesn’t have much money to spend.
“Inexpensive way to build a tall privacy fence to hide trashy neighbours,” they titled their post on Reddit.
They then further explained: “I am struggling financially but keep my home and yard neat.
“Not my neighbours, and I am hoping to find the least expensive but good looking privacy fence.”
They added that they have spoken to their landlord, who “gets that I need a fence but doesn’t want to pay for it”.
“I can build it myself, just need ideas,” they wrote.
“You are trying to block the view of the neighbours from where?” someone questioned.
“You don’t want to see them from inside your house?
“From your front porch? From your pool? What is the situation?”
“All of the above but mainly their back yard, as it is just a pile of rotting car parts,” the poster replied.
“And I have my yards full of flowers and vegetable beds.”
People were quick to offer their suggestions in the comments, with many suggesting a cheap as chips option – planting sunflowers.
“I never realised how much people love sunflowers until we planted them as a privacy fence!” one wrote.
As another said they should use “tonnes of sunflowers”.
You can get packs of sunflower seeds to plant for as little as 89p.
Someone else offered their own solution, having dealt with problem neighbours themselves.
“I am dealing with an utter lack of privacy as well,” they wrote.
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.
“Put up a privacy fence and unfortunately the back neighbour is on a high grade vs me and it’s like they are on top of us whenever outside.
“They used to have bamboo which was a blessing and a curse – I couldn’t even see the house but it was super invasive and I still battle it.
“I’ve planted a nice red maple that will eventually fill in that area and a couple of Japanese cherries on the other side of the yard.
“It will take a few years for privacy though.. I was going to do a shade sail type thing but never got around to it..
“I put all my large tropical plants on the deck and it’s like a forest between June and September.”
Others agreed with “some type of privacy hedge” would be “the most cost effective option”.
“It will take longer but it’ll also grow a lot taller than most places will let you build fences,” one noted.
“Plant podocarpus – excellent privacy hedge,” another said.
“More beautiful than ficus in my opinion and grows extremely fast. 3-4 ft per year easily.”
You can make cool fence panels from wood and corrugated metal
Reddit user
“This is the answer! Podocarpus can grow up to 40ft,” a third agreed.
As someone else suggested: “Build planter boxes about 4′ long, as many as you need for the distance.
“That should limit the privet’s invasiveness some. And you can rearrange or replant them as needed.”
“Get some Sunshine Ligustrum Privet,” another wrote.
“It’s sterile and grows like hell!”
While some people suggested making a privacy fence with actual fencing materials, like wooden or vinyl panels.
“Our neighbours down the way put in vinyl fencing attached to metal poles that was installed in one day, looks good two years later,” one wrote.
“Look at pre-made fence panels from a home improvement store,” another added.
“You can DIY the rest by pouring your own concrete footings for the posts.
“Look at the various Youtube videos available to find your preferred options.
“You can also make various cool fence panels from wood and corrugated metal.”
As another wrote: “Use two 4×4 posts every 8’ with shade cloth stretched.
“Use grommets in the corners with bungee cords so the wind won’t pull out and tear the fabric.
“It comes in black, green, and tan.
“Order online it’s much cheaper.”
“Check your local Craigslist page,” a third wrote.
“You would be surprised what people give away. Boards, posts and other materials.
“I once saw a guy giving away his old deck because he was upgrading to a newer deck. Best of luck!”