If you want to enjoy peace and privacy in your own garden, we recommend an opaque privacy screen. However, bulky wooden fences visually restrict the garden and do not always fit into the landscape. Although hedges impress with their naturalness, they require regular maintenance. A privacy screen made of willow requires no maintenance after it has been set up once, is also made of natural material, costs nothing and is also extremely variable. If you also enjoy crafting and working, everything speaks for a self-made willow privacy screen.
How do I build a willow privacy screen myself?
To build a willow privacy screen yourself, you will need willow rods, wooden stakes, hammer, secateurs, spirit level and tape measure. The rods are cut to the same length, soaked and then alternately braided around the stakes anchored in the ground until the desired height is reached.
Advantages of a homemade privacy screen made of willow
- no care necessary
- also serves as a climbing aid
- Height and width can be determined by yourself
- pure natural material
- easy to make
- no costs
- simultaneous disposal of cutting residues
- weatherproof
- various looks possible
Material procurement
Willow rods are extremely flexible, making them one of the most popular braiding materials. Of course you can get the branches from the tree nursery. However, it is cheaper to cut it yourself. Make sure that all branches are approximately the same length. It is best to collect the material between November and February. In addition, it makes a difference whether you choose branches that are already woody or new shoots. The latter also sprout in braided form.
Build your own pasture privacy screen
Required materials
- Willow rods
- Wooden posts
- a hammer
- a secateurs
- possibly a spirit level
- a tape measure
Preparation
- Short the willow rods to the same length.
- Soak the branches in water to make them elastic.
- Loose the ground at the point where your privacy screen will later stand.
Step-by-step instructions
- Point one end of the wooden stakes.
- Now insert these into the ground about half a meter apart.
- Start at ground level and alternately braid a willow rod in front of and behind the posts.
- Perform this activity until the desired height is reached.
- Tighten the rods well in the meantime.
- Short the protruding branches
More tips
- Use different colored rods. Branches of the purple willow have a reddish tone and bring variety to your braided pattern.
- Hang decorative elements on your privacy screen. Colorful glass bottles not only look beautiful, they also serve as wind chimes or even for planting.
- It doesn't always have to be a privacy screen. If you don't weave the willow branches too high, you'll create a pretty border.
