Imitation hedging is becoming increasingly popular in urban and suburban areas across the US, and we’re very excited to witness this gradual shift to low-maintenance, evergreen foliage.
But, naturally, the more artificial hedge panels emerge on the market, the harder it gets for people to choose the right one for their space. Yes, they’re all pretty, but they can’t all complement your area, lifestyle, and decor.
So how do you choose the right one?
Keep reading to find out.
5 Steps to Get the Right Kind of Artificial Hedge
Here are 5 easy steps to find the artificial hedge that will make your heart sing:
Consider the space: residential or commercial
Different spaces call for different types of artificial hedges.
Residential properties often need faux hedges that add charm, privacy, and a natural aesthetic. Our homeowner clients are mostly concerned with creating a striking outdoor space and having their hedge double as a barrier.
As a result, we mostly recommend a sturdy faux boxwood hedge that keeps prying eyes at pay and needs minimal maintenance.
In contrast, commercial spaces may require a larger fake hedge wall for branding, crowd control, or creating partitions in offices, restaurants, and event venues. If your space is high-traffic, you’ll benefit from moveable (and maybe smaller) artificial hedges to ensure easy use.
Questions to ask yourself:
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Is the faux hedge for decorative purposes, privacy, or branding?
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Will it be in a high-traffic area that requires durability?
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Does it need to blend in or stand out as a feature?
Consider the style of the space
Your artificial hedge panel should complement the decor of your space. Don’t buy a faux hedge just because it looks pretty without regard to your existing design.
Think about the exact look a hedge should have to beautify your space. For example, a modern, minimalist area would work best with a sleek, uniform artificial hedge, like our Premium Two Tone Green Artificial Boxwood Hedge. On the other hand, a more traditional setting may look good with a dense, textured ivy hedge that serves as a focal point, such as our Artificial Photinia Hedge Panel.
Picture your ideal feature in the space and then look for artificial hedge panels that look similar.
Questions to ask yourself:
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Should my hedge be simplistic or intricate?
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What existing materials and colors should the fake hedge complement?
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Does the space need a natural, full look or a sleek, structured design?
Consider the size and location
Now, it’s time to assess where you want to place your hedge and how much coverage you need.
Aaccurately measure the space you want to adorn, double and triple-check your measurements, and calculate the number of panels you’ll need with Georgina’s tutorial.
If you have a small patio, don’t overwhelm it with a large faux hedge wall. Conversely, for bigger areas, a taller hedge may provide the coverage and impact the space needs without crowding it.
In any case, always check that the hedge is UV-resistant, especially for outdoor use, to prevent fading. At Designer Plants, we have a UV-resistant badge on all our protected fauxliege, so look for it on each product page before you buy.
Questions to ask yourself:
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What are the exact dimensions of the area needing coverage?
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Will tall imitation hedging block too much light?
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Does the space call for a portable hedge or a permanent installation?
Consider the price
It’s easy to get carried away with all the options available online, so always set a budget beforehand.
First, research price ranges across different manufacturers to get a vague idea of what to expect. Keep in mind that suppliers have different price ranges depending on the size and complexity of the faux hedge.
Once you have a clear vision of the hedge style you want, narrow down the options within your budget range.
We recommended looking for a balance between quality and affordability. If you get a dirt-cheap artificial hedge, you’ll probably pay for replacements down the line and may even deal with toxicity. On the other hand, although investing in a premium artificial hedge may be costlier upfront, it can save you from ongoing expenses later on.
Questions to ask yourself:
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What’s my maximum budget for this purchase?
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Does the budget include installation, shipping, and warranties?
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What’s more important: affordability or high quality?
Consider the service
Last but not least, never forget that a great buying experience doesn’t end with the purchase. Before you finalize your decision, look into the supplier’s after-sales service to ensure you’re getting the best value.
For example, when buying from Designer Plants, you also get:
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Free shipping across the US
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Fast deliveries
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Installation crew if needed
We always advise clients to discuss installation costs and processes to avoid unexpected expenses. If you’re particularly handy and have dabbled in DIY, we recommend installing the artificial hedge yourself. This way, you’ll save money and own the entire project from start to finish.
Questions to ask yourself:
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Does the supplier offer free and fast shipping?
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What kind of warranty or guarantee comes with the artificial hedge?
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Is the faux hedge UV-resistant?
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Is professional installation available, and how much does it cost?
Best Applications for Artificial Hedges
Now that you’ve found your ideal fake hedge wall, it’s time to make the most of it.
We briefly touched on how to use artificial hedges above, but we’ll go into more detail here.
Faux hedges are versatile, flexible, and can supplement your space with much more than classic decor. Here are our 4 favorite applications for artificial hedges:
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Outdoor decor: One of the most obvious ways to use an artificial hedge is to place it outside as a striking decor piece. Faux hedges, especially tall ones, are imposing and easily draw attention, which is exactly what outdoor decor should do. Make your fake hedge a focal point and decorate around it with lights, outdoor furniture, or other ornaments.
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Privacy screens: If you purchase a dense artificial boxwood hedge, you can use it in place of a fence as a barrier and privacy screen. Thanks to its small and tidy leaf clusters, these hedge screens can cover large surfaces and prevent onlookers from peeking in. When privacy is your biggest concern, we recommend looking at faux hedges like the Premium Two Tone Green Artificial Boxwood Hedge and the Premium Light Green Artificial Boxwood Hedge.
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Backdrops: Outdoor areas should never be left without a striking backdrop. Instead of bounding your space with a boring wooden or colorbond fence, use an artificial hedge. This way, your faux hedge will serve as both a fence and a welcome addition to your garden. Using greenery as a backdrop for other plants in the space will evoke a jungle-like feeling in a blink.
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Event decor: Lastly, you can use your artificial hedge as moveable, versatile event decor, as well. You can set up your freestanding hedge yourself, place it wherever you like at your event (delineate a path, separate areas, or provide a backdrop), and move it around. When your party ends, you can store your hedge until the next event or turn it into a permanent feature of your space.
Finishing Thoughts
And there you have it - our 5 expert steps to choosing the right artificial hedge for your space.
We know this decision might feel overwhelming, especially if you’re decorating a large space, so we recommend answering all of the questions laid out in this blog, creating a document with your requirements, and starting your search with it on hand.
When you find an artificial hedge that checks your boxes, contact the seller directly for bespoke advice or to ask any questions.
If you choose a product from our faux hedge collection, shoot our team a message with your vision, and check out any similar projects we’ve done so you can best understand how we can help.
FAQ
What are artificial hedges?
Artificial hedges are decor features that mimic the look and feel of real hedges. They’re great for decorative purposes or to create privacy in outdoor spaces. They’re usually made from materials like plastic (like LDPE) and resemble various types of foliage, most notably boxwood and ivy. Due to their outdoor use, they’re often UV-resistant and can withstand harsh sun.
How long do artificial hedges last?
Artificial hedges can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years or more, depending on the quality of the materials and the conditions they’re regularly exposed to. Higher-quality hedges like ours at Designer Plants are made from UV-resistant materials and LDPE (durable, long-lasting plastic) and even come with warranties. With the proper care, your faux hedge should last for a long, long time.
Are artificial hedges any good?
High-quality artificial hedges are a great option for people seeking low-maintenance greenery and durable decor. Since they don’t need any watering, pruning, or fertilizing, artificial hedges are perfect for busy spaces or any environment where a real hedge would struggle.
Can you get fake hedges?
Yes, you can definitely get fake hedges. Artificial hedges are widely available today and come in a variety of styles to suit your needs. But before you buy your first faux hedge, vet the supplier and ask them for proof of quality and guidance during decorating.
How do you clean an artificial hedge?
Cleaning an artificial hedge is as simple as can be. Start by dusting the hedge with a soft brush or a microfiber cloth to remove the loose dirt and debris. If you need more thorough cleaning, use a shower head and spray the hedge. Then, wipe down the leaves and let them air dry. After cleaning, you may also spray a UV spray to further protect it from the sun.