Creating a private garden in a new build: Willow fence screening for overlooked gardens
6 July 2026
For new build homeowners seeking peace and privacy in their outdoor space, it’s an unfortunate fact that new build gardens are notorious for having overlooked gardens. This problem is made worse by low boundary-fences that offer no privacy from neighbouring gardens and upper-story windows.
A great solution to this is willow fence screening, also known as roll fencing. At Musgrove Willows, we handmake and supply durable willow fencing that adds instant privacy to an overlooked garden, all woven from willow grown on our farm in the Somerset levels.
How to put up willow screening in an overlooked garden
Our willow roll fencing is a natural, eco-friendly garden screening constructed from thin willow branches. It’s simple to put up, sustainably made, and adds both beauty and privacy to an overlooked outdoor space.
Key features and benefits
Willow roll fencing is often chosen as a privacy fence for several reasons:
- Simple to install: Roll fencing is easy to fasten to existing fence panels or chain-link fences.
- Eco-friendly: The coppiced willow we make our fencing from is farmed and harvested using traditional, sustainable methods our family have been using for generation.
- Natural aesthetic: The rustic look of willow fencing adds natural textures to modern new build gardens.
How to install willow screening
With the right tools and materials, willow roll fencing can easily be put up in just one weekend. You will need:
- Willow fence screening
- Support posts: Wooden or metal fencing posts
- Fasteners: Screws, nails, staples, zip ties, or wire ties
1. Measure your garden boundary
Accurately measure the height and length of your garden boundary. This will tell you how much willow screening you need to order.
2. Prepare the fencing area
Ensure the ground where your fence is going to go is level, and remove any obstacles or debris from the area.
3. Install support posts (if needed)
If your garden already has a fence that you’re planning to attach willow roll fencing to, you can skip this step. However, if you do not have an existing fence, you’ll need to install wooden or metal fence posts.
Space your posts at roughly the same width as your willow roll screening (ours is 3 metres wide). The posts should be installed in holes around 1.5 feet deep, and set in Postcrete (or similar). Use a spirit level to ensure your posts are completely straight, and let the concrete set completely before moving onto the next step.
4. Attach your willow screening
The way you attach your screening will depend on the type of fence you have:
- Attaching to a wooden fence/fence posts: Align your willow screening panels with your fence posts, and attach them to the posts using screws, nails, staples, or zip ties. Ensure you attach your fasteners to the galvanised wires that run through the fence – do not puncture the willow canes directly.
- Attaching to a chain-link/mesh fence: Attach your roll fencing to the fence by weaving galvanised double wire ties around the fencing mesh and the internal wiring of your willow roll.
To get the best look, ensure your panels are evenly spaced out and taut. You should fasten your willow roll at regular intervals to ensure your fence stands up to strong winds, securing each panel tightly at multiple points.
Musgrove can advise on willow fence screening and more
If you’re looking for a quick solution to turn an overlooked new build garden into a private sanctuary, Musgrove Willows can help. For advice on purchasing and installing willow fencing – including our willow roll screening – please get in touch with the Musgrove team, we’d love to hear from you.
