Plan the wall before fixing your first panel

Measure each installation area, confirm the surface type and prepare the correct tools and fixings before cutting any panels.

Follow these seven installation steps

These steps suit most plastic-backed artificial hedge and garden wall panels. Additional surface-specific fixing guidance appears below.

Step 1 — Measure and plan

Measure the installation area

Measure the full finished width and height of the wall. Mark the starting point and calculate how many complete panels are required before cutting any material.

• ✓ Measure every wall or section separately.
• ✓ Allow for gates, posts, lights, taps, pipes, switches and other obstacles.
• ✓ Round panel quantities up where part-panels are required.
• ✓ Plan the layout to minimise cuts and offcuts.

Use the garden wall calculator →

Step 2 — Prepare the surface

Check, clean and secure the wall

Remove dust, loose objects, sharp projections and unstable materials. The fixing surface should be clean, secure and sufficiently flat to support the panels.

• ✓ Check that the wall or fence is structurally secure.
• ✓ Remove loose screws, nails, stones and protruding objects.
• ✓ Clean away dust, dirt and debris before positioning panels.
• ✓ Check the installation surface with a spirit level.
• ✓ If using battens or sheeting, install them straight and securely before proceeding.

Step 3 — Cut to size

Trim the panel backing carefully

Turn the panel over and cut through the plastic backing grid using a sharp knife. Work gradually and avoid cutting through the surrounding foliage.

• ✓ Mark the required cut line on the rear backing grid.
• ✓ Move leaves and stems safely away from the cutting path.
• ✓ Cut through the plastic grid rather than the foliage.
• ✓ Work slowly to avoid damaging the surrounding leaves.
• ✓ Test-fit the trimmed panel before fixing it permanently.

Step 4 — Position the first panel

Start from a straight edge

Position the first panel against a corner, post or marked reference line. Check that it is level before applying the permanent fixings.

• ✓ Begin at a straight corner, post or marked reference line.
• ✓ Use a spirit level to keep the top edge horizontal.
• ✓ Keep the side edge vertical.
• ✓ Temporarily hold the panel in place before completing the permanent fixings.
• ✓ Recheck the alignment before moving to the next panel.

Step 5 — Secure the backing

Fix the panel at multiple points

Part the foliage and secure the plastic backing grid to the installation surface. Fix around the perimeter and through the centre so the panel remains flat and secure.

• ✓ Use staples when fixing to suitable timber, battens or sheeting.
• ✓ Use screws with washers where stronger mechanical fixing is required.
• ✓ Use UV-stable cable ties on mesh fences, railings and suitable frames.
• ✓ Fix around every edge and add multiple central fixing points.
• ✓ Use additional fixings in exposed or windy outdoor areas.
• ✓ Keep the panel flat without crushing the surrounding foliage.

Step 6 — Join the panels

Connect adjoining panels securely

Bring adjoining panel edges firmly together and connect the backing grids using the built-in connection points or suitable cable ties.

• ✓ Pull neighbouring panel edges firmly together.
• ✓ Align the top and bottom edges before connecting the panels.
• ✓ Use the built-in clips or connection points where supplied.
• ✓ Add suitable cable ties where additional support is needed.
• ✓ Complete the remaining wall fixings after the join is secure.
• ✓ Spread the foliage across the join to conceal the seam.

Step 7 — Final inspection

Check and finish the installation

Inspect the completed garden wall and ensure every panel is secure, correctly aligned and sitting flat. Arrange the foliage to conceal the joins, backing edges and fixing points.

• ✓ Check that every panel and edge is securely fixed.
• ✓ Make sure the top, bottom and side edges are straight.
• ✓ Inspect the wall for loose sections or visible backing.
• ✓ Lift and spread the foliage across panel joins.
• ✓ Arrange compressed leaves to create an even, natural finish.
• ✓ Confirm the fixing points are concealed behind the foliage.
• ✓ Step back and inspect the complete wall from several angles.

Choose a suitable fixing method

Select fixings that suit both the installation surface and the level of outdoor exposure.

Common installation questions