How To Install Artificial Garden Walls
Artificial Garden Wall Installation Guide
Install your panels securely and create a lush, natural-looking finish. This guide covers the common methods for timber, plasterboard, brick, metal, Colorbond, chain-link fencing and railings.
Plan your wall before fixing the first panel
Measure every area, confirm the surface type and check the direction of the foliage. Keeping all panels facing the same way helps the grain, shadows and joins blend naturally.
Measure
Measure each wall separately. Allow for cut-outs around taps, posts, lights, gates and edges, then round the final panel quantity up.
Check the surface
Choose the fixing method for the substrate. Timber and plasterboard can often be fixed directly; brick, metal and Colorbond commonly suit a timber batten frame.
Set the direction
Lay the panels out before fixing and turn every panel the same way. Check the foliage direction again whenever you begin a new row.
What you may need
The exact tools and fixings will depend on the wall surface and wind exposure. Always select fasteners that are suitable for the substrate and installation location.
Common tools
- Tape measure and pencil
- Level or string line
- Sharp knife
- Drill or staple gun, depending on the surface
- Safety glasses and gloves
Common fixings
- Staples for suitable timber backing or timber frames
- Screws and washers for battens or hard surfaces
- Heavy-duty, UV-stable cable ties for mesh, railings or chain-link fencing
- Treated pine battens where direct fixing is not preferred
- Outdoor paint for any visible timber battens
General installation method
These steps apply to most artificial garden wall panels. Use them together with the surface-specific advice below.
Measure and mark the installation area
Mark the starting point and confirm the finished width and height. For several walls, measure each wall separately before cutting panels. Use the garden wall calculator to estimate your panel quantity before you begin.
Prepare the surface
Clean the wall and remove loose material, sharp protrusions or unstable sections. If you are using battens or sheeting, install them straight and securely before attaching the panels.
Start from one side and keep panels straight
Begin at a corner or another straight edge. Level the first panel carefully, then work across the wall while checking alignment and foliage direction as you go.
Fix the backing, not the foliage
Part the foliage and fasten through the plastic backing grid or eyelets. Avoid trapping or crushing large sections of foliage under staples, screws, washers or cable ties.
Connect adjoining panels
Use the backing grid, eyelets or built-in joins to connect each panel to the next. Pull adjoining panels together before the final fixings are tightened to minimise visible gaps.
Trim edges and cut-outs carefully
Use a sharp knife to trim the plastic backing grid. Cut gradually around posts, lights, pipes and other obstacles so you retain as much foliage as possible around each opening.
Fluff and blend the foliage
After fixing, gently lift and spread the foliage across the joins and fasteners. Shape the leaves by hand until the backing is hidden and the wall looks full and even.
Choose the correct fixing method
The panels are lightweight, but they must be fixed securely for the surface and exposure level.
Timber or plasterboard
Use an electric staple gun or suitable screws and washers. Start at one side, keep panels straight, part the foliage and fix through the plastic backing.
- Check alignment after every panel
- Fix the border and centre as needed
- Use extra fixings in exposed outdoor areas
Brick, metal or Colorbond
Install a secure timber batten or lattice frame, then attach the panels to the timber. This can reduce drilling into the main wall and gives a consistent fixing base.
- Space battens approximately 250–500mm apart
- For Colorbond, fix timber to suitable rails where possible
- Paint visible timber a dark grey such as Monument
Chain-link or railing
Thread heavy-duty, UV-stable cable ties through the backing and around the fence or railing. Secure the border first, then add ties through the centre.
- Pull each panel flat before tightening
- Add extra ties in exposed areas
- Trim cable-tie tails neatly when finished
Fixing note: Wall construction, wind exposure and local conditions vary. If you are unsure which fastener or frame is suitable, confirm the method with a qualified installer or hardware specialist before installation.
Keep your garden wall looking its best
Artificial garden walls are low-maintenance, but the foliage and fixings still benefit from occasional gentle care.
Do
- Use a gentle hose or rainwater to remove dust and light dirt.
- Check fixings occasionally, particularly after strong wind or storms.
- Lift and fluff foliage by hand if it was flattened in transport.
- Keep panels straight and facing the same direction for the cleanest finish.
Do not
- Do not use a pressure washer, poisons, harsh chemicals or aggressive cleaners.
- Do not install where reflected or magnified sunlight could intensify heat on the foliage.
- Do not install in extreme wind exposure without appropriate additional support.
- Do not rely on only a few fixings; secure the edges and centre properly.
Common installation questions
Can artificial garden wall panels be cut?
Yes. Carefully cut the plastic backing grid with a sharp knife. Trim gradually and retain as much foliage as possible around each cut edge.
Can I install panels directly onto brick?
Panels can be fixed to masonry with suitable plugs, screws and washers. For many DIY installations, a timber batten or lattice frame is easier to align and provides a consistent fixing base.
How many fixings should I use?
Use enough suitable fixings to hold every panel flat and secure. Fix around the border and add fixings through the centre. Exposed outdoor locations generally require additional support.
Will the panel joins be visible?
Pulling panels firmly together, matching their direction, connecting the backing neatly and fluffing the foliage across the seams will help minimise visible joins.
Can I install panels on a chain-link fence?
Yes. Thread heavy-duty, UV-stable cable ties through the panel backing and around the fence, secure the border and centre, then trim the cable-tie tails.
Calculate your panels before ordering
Enter each wall measurement, choose a Forever Green Walls style and estimate the number of panels required before adding them to your cart.