Garden fencing and screening

Providing stylish, durable fencing and screening solutions that create essential privacy, secure your boundaries, and form the perfect backdrop for your garden

Done properly, fencing becomes something else entirely. It creates structure, privacy and a calm backdrop that supports everything else in the garden — from full garden design and build projects to standalone boundary work.

Our fencing work is led by Trevor, who has spent 40 years specialising exclusively in fencing across South West London and Surrey. That experience shows in the details — the lines, the levels, and how long the fence actually lasts.

A dedicated fencing team — not a side service

Fencing isn’t something we “also do”. It’s a dedicated part of the business, led by a specialist who has spent four decades doing nothing else.

Trevor leads a team that works on fencing projects only — not pulled across to patio work, planting or general landscaping mid-job. That focus is what gives consistency, speed and quality — and why our fences stay straight, solid and reliable long after installation.

Whether it’s a single panel replacement or a full boundary rebuild as part of a wider landscaping project, the approach is the same: do it once, do it properly.

Fence installation

New fencing installed from scratch, accurately set out and built to last. Trevor assesses ground conditions, specifies the correct post type for your soil, and ensures the fence works visually within the garden — not just on the boundary line. Often integrated with garden features and structures or new paving and patio work.
Fence replacement

Full removal, disposal and replacement of failed fencing. We rebuild the structure properly — correct post depth, concrete posts where ground conditions demand them, gravel boards fitted as standard. Common across older properties in Kingston, Esher and Cobham where original fencing is long overdue.
Storm damage and repairs

Panels down, posts leaning, damage after high winds — we respond quickly and repair properly. No temporary fixes. With a dedicated fencing team, we can often attend within 48 to 72 hours. For urgent work, call 07738 178091 directly.

Bespoke and integrated fencing

Privacy screens, garden zoning, contemporary or traditional styles — fencing considered as part of the wider space. Because we are also a garden design practice, fencing is always thought about alongside planting, levels and lighting. See examples in our project portfolio.

Get a free written quote for your fencing project

Types of fencing we install

There isn’t one “best” type of fencing — only the right choice for your garden, your soil conditions and how you want the space to feel. It often needs to sit alongside paving, structures and lighting to work properly.

Closeboard and featherboard fencing

Closeboard fencing installed by Flourish Landscaping in Kingston and Surrey

The professional standard for boundary fencing. Built in situ — boards fixed to rails between posts — rather than pre-made panels slotted in. Stronger, more durable, and follows ground levels properly. Our most recommended option for long-term performance on Surrey clay soils. We install it with concrete slotted posts and gravel boards as standard across Surbiton, Thames Ditton and surrounding areas.

Picket fencing

A softer, traditional option well-suited to front gardens and pathways, particularly in period properties across Richmond, Strawberry Hill and Kew. Available in flat-top, round-top and pointed profiles. Often painted white, or left natural to complement cottage-style planting.

Trellis fencing

An elegant option that adds height and visual interest without blocking light. Available in diamond, square and lattice patterns, and well-suited to supporting climbing plants including Clematis spp., Rosa spp. and Lonicera spp. Often combined with planting design and installation as part of a complete garden scheme.

Panel fencing

A practical option for straightforward replacements and standard boundaries. Available from overlap panels through to close board panels and tongue and groove — each step up in quality reflected in cost and longevity. We recommend concrete slotted posts given the clay-heavy ground across this area, and can install timber fascias over concrete posts to improve the finished appearance. Suits low-maintenance garden settings where simplicity is the priority.

Slatted and Venetian fencing

Venetian slatted fencing in a contemporary Surrey garden

Clean, architectural lines with filtered light — horizontal slats creating a boundary that feels designed rather than merely functional. We install with gaps of 5mm to 20mm depending on the level of screening or light you want. Typically specified in western red cedar or Siberian larch. Popular in modern garden builds and alongside seating areas. See how it features in our contemporary Surbiton garden project.

Hit and miss fencing

A contemporary style that provides privacy while still allowing some light and air through — alternating vertical boards that overlap each other, creating a gap between each board. A good choice for more exposed gardens where a fully solid fence would take significant wind load. Available in flat-top and arched-top profiles, in treated softwood, western red cedar or oak.

Post and rail fencing

Ideal for larger gardens, paddocks and rural settings across Esher, Cobham, Weybridge and the wider Surrey countryside. Open, clean-lined, and well-suited to properties where a boundary is needed without enclosure. Available in half-round or square rail in treated softwood, western red cedar or oak.

Composite fencing

The lowest-maintenance option available. Composite fencing resists rot, warping and insect damage without staining, painting or sealing — an occasional wash is all it requires. A longer-lasting investment than timber where minimal upkeep is the priority. Particularly popular with clients looking for a clean, contemporary finish that holds its appearance over many years.

Not sure which type is right? We’ll help you choose

Garden screening solutions

Some of the most effective work we do isn’t around the edge of the garden — it’s within it. Internal screening creates privacy, divides space and adds structure, particularly in smaller gardens across Kingston and Surbiton. It works especially well alongside low-maintenance layouts and patio areas.
Bespoke slatted screens

Modern, lightweight privacy around seating areas, terraces and hot tubs. Freestanding or wall-mounted, these work well alongside decking and garden lighting as part of an integrated outdoor space.
Pleached tree screens

Living structure using Carpinus betulus (hornbeam) or Tilia spp. (lime) for elevated privacy above a clear stem. A refined, naturalistic alternative to solid fencing that adds seasonal interest and wildlife value — common in larger Richmond and Cobham gardens. Installed as part of our planting design service.
Bamboo and evergreen hedging

Fast-growing Phyllostachys spp. in containment systems, or clipped evergreen hedging using Taxus baccata, Ilex aquifolium or Prunus laurocerasus — year-round screening that integrates with the wider garden. Useful where gardens are exposed to wind; see our windy garden advice for species guidance.
Pergolas with screening plants

Structure and planting combined to create dappled shade and side privacy. Wisteria sinensis, Vitis spp. and Humulus lupulus all work well. Often specified as part of a garden features and structures project. Particularly effective in entertaining-focused gardens like our Kingston entertaining project.
Decorative metal screens

Architectural, essentially maintenance-free powder-coated steel or aluminium panels. Effective as internal dividers or wall-mounted privacy screens in smaller urban gardens across Kingston, Berrylands and New Malden.

Book a visit to explore screening ideas for your garden

Clay soils, conservation areas and Surrey conditions

This is where most fencing fails — and where experience matters most.

Kingston, Surbiton and the surrounding Surrey area sit on heavy London clay. Posts that aren’t set correctly for this soil expand and contract seasonally, leading to lean, movement and early failure. After 40 years installing fencing on these soils, Trevor specifies correctly from the outset — depth, materials and fixing methods all considered before a single post goes in the ground.

If your garden also has drainage or waterlogging problems, see our flooded gardens solutions — the two issues often go hand in hand on clay-heavy sites.

We also understand the planning context: conservation areas in Richmond and Kingston, listed buildings across the patch, and the rules around shared boundary fencing covered in our garden law guide.

Our approach on clay soils

Concrete posts specified wherever ground conditions demand it
Timber fascias available over concrete posts to improve the finished look
Gravel boards fitted as standard to prevent base rot
Correct footing depth — not cut short to save time
Full site assessment before every installation
Boundary ownership guidance before work commences — see our garden law page

Areas we cover

Not listed? Get in touch — we cover many surrounding areas.

What does fencing cost in Kingston, Surbiton and Surrey?

We’re upfront about pricing. These are realistic starting points — actual costs depend on ground conditions, access, fencing type and total run length. All quotes are written and itemised. No verbal estimates, no surprises.

Fence repairs

£150 to £800 — storm damage, broken panels, post reinforcement, gate rehangs. Most repair jobs completed in a single day.

Partial replacement

£800 to £2,500 — the most common job type across Kingston and Surbiton. Includes removal and disposal, new posts, rails and boards, concrete posts where needed, gravel boards as standard.

Full boundary replacement

£2,500 to £8,000 and above — complete boundary across multiple elevations. Often combined with paving, structures or a full garden design and build.

For context, the average fencing job in Kingston upon Thames costs approximately £1,436. Our quotes reflect Trevor’s 40 years of specialist workmanship — not the cheapest available price.

Request a free written quote

Common questions about fencing

Do I need planning permission for a new fence?

In most cases, no. Fences up to 2 metres high are generally permitted development in England. If your fence is next to a highway, the limit is 1 metre. Exceptions apply if your property is listed, within a conservation area — several cover parts of Richmond and Kingston — or if the fence affects a public right of way. We advise on this during a site visit. See also our garden law page for full guidance.

Who is responsible for a boundary fence — me or my neighbour?

Ownership is set by your title deeds, not by general convention. Look for a ‘T’ mark on the boundary lines — it indicates which side owns and maintains that boundary. Where ownership is unclear, boundaries are often treated as shared. Our garden law page covers this in detail. We always recommend clarifying ownership before any work is commissioned.

How long does a fence last?

Correctly installed closeboard fencing with concrete posts, gravel boards and pressure-treated timber should last 20 to 30 years with basic maintenance. Panel fencing typically lasts 10 to 15 years. The biggest factor on Surrey clay soils is post installation — wooden posts without adequate depth and drainage fail years earlier than properly set concrete posts. This is why Trevor specifies concrete posts as standard on most clay-soil installations.

What is the difference between closeboard and panel fencing?

Closeboard fencing is built in situ — boards nailed to rails between posts. Stronger, more durable, follows sloping ground properly. Panel fencing uses pre-made panels slotted between posts — quicker and less expensive, but less durable and harder to adapt to uneven ground. For most boundary fencing on Surrey clay soils, we recommend closeboard construction. See our full FAQ page for more on materials and methods.

What wood is best for garden fencing in the UK?

Pressure-treated softwood is the most common and cost-effective choice — treated to resist rot and insect damage. Western red cedar and Siberian larch are naturally durable alternatives that weather attractively without treatment. Oak is available for a premium traditional finish. For zero-maintenance longevity, composite fencing removes the need for any ongoing treatment entirely.

Can you repair rather than replace?

Often, yes. Where posts are sound and the structure is fundamentally solid, panel or board replacement is cost-effective. Where posts are rotten at the base or the overall structure has failed, replacement is usually the better long-term decision. We will always give you an honest assessment — not a default recommendation to replace if repair is the right answer.

Do you guarantee your fencing work?

Yes. We provide a 10-year workmanship guarantee on all fencing installations, covering post movement, fixings failure and gate-hanging issues. This is in addition to manufacturers’ guarantees on materials. It’s only possible to offer this because we don’t cut corners on post setting or structural preparation.
How quickly can you attend for storm damage?

With a dedicated fencing team, we can often attend within 48 to 72 hours for urgent storm damage. For collapses or security issues, call 07738 178091 directly and we will prioritise where possible.

Why choose Flourish Landscaping for fencing?

Led by Trevor — 40 years of specialist fencing experience

Trevor has spent four decades specialising exclusively in fencing across South West London and Surrey. That accumulated local knowledge — soils, ground conditions, planning requirements, materials — is what we bring to every job, large or small.
A team that works on fencing only

Trevor leads a team that works exclusively on fencing. Not repurposed from design and build projects or pulled across to other trades mid-job. Focused, consistent, reliable.
Design-led thinking behind every installation

Because Flourish is also a garden design practice, fencing is always considered as part of the whole garden — how it reads against planting, how it handles light, how it will look as the garden matures. That perspective rarely comes from a fencing-only contractor.
10-year workmanship guarantee

Every installation is backed by a 10-year workmanship guarantee. Built properly, backed properly. See our FAQs for what this covers.

Established since 1955 — three generations in Surrey

Flourish Landscaping has served South West London and Surrey for three generations. Our reputation across Kingston, Surbiton, Richmond and the wider area depends entirely on quality and honesty. Read what our clients say on our testimonials page.
Transparent, written quotes

No verbal estimates, no surprises on the day. Detailed, itemised written quotes — you know exactly what is included, what it costs, and when we will complete the work before anything is agreed.

View recent garden projects | Read client testimonials

Related services

Ready to discuss your fencing project?

If you’re planning fencing as part of a wider project, we can help you get the whole space working properly — not just the boundary. Send a few photographs and a description of what you need. We’ll come back with honest advice and a clear written quote.

Garden fencing and screening

Providing stylish, durable fencing and screening solutions that create essential privacy, secure your boundaries, and form the perfect backdrop for your garden

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