Step-by-Step Guide to Artificial Green Wall Installation

Ready to install an artificial green wall? This guide will provide the tools, panel selection tips, and step-by-step instructions for a seamless installation.

Essential Tools and Materials

Before starting the installation, gather all the necessary tools and materials. Some TreeLocate panels come with a handy installation pack, but if not, the things you need are readily available. The beauty of installing artificial green walls lies in its simplicity; no specialised tools are required, making it an accessible project for DIY enthusiasts. You’ll need:

a drill
timber screws
washers
a spirit level
Wire Clippers

Washers are important as they prevent the green wall panels from slipping, ensuring stability.

Clippers, or a sharp knife are also necessary for trimming the panels to size, allowing customisation to fit your specific space. With these simple tools, you can focus on the creative aspects of your project without worrying about complex equipment.

Collecting these tools in advance will streamline your installation, letting you concentrate on transforming your space with lush, green beauty through planting.

Measuring Your Space

Accurate measurements are key to a successful green wall installation. Start by:

Calculating the area for your artificial green wall panels by multiplying the length and height of your wall to find the square meterage.
Noting that TreeLocate's green wall panels come in convenient sizes of 1m x 1m.
Use these measurements to determine how many panels you’ll need. Our friendly team are happy to help with this if required.

For walls with irregular or complex shapes, consulting a professional can ensure precise measurements. Correct spacing and alignment from the start can save time and effort, guaranteeing a flawless finish.

Choosing the Right Panels

Selecting the right panels is essential for achieving your desired aesthetic. Artificial green wall panels come with the following features:

Various styles, from lush tropical looks to minimalist designs, allow you to create diverse visual effects
Versatility, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
FireSilx fire retardant options are available for when fire safety is paramount.
UVSIlx colourfast pane options made from UV-resistant UVSilx foliage will maintain their appearance even in direct sunlight.

Consider your design vision and the natural light the space receives. This will influence plant styles and colours, helping you achieve the perfect look. Artificial plants can be installed in challenging locations where real plants would be difficult to maintain.

The right panels will enhance your space’s visual appeal while ensuring durability and low maintenance style, sun, colour, and frame.

Preparing Your Wall Surface

Understanding the wall type you are installing onto and preparing the wall surface ensures secure attachment of the green wall panels, with no structural modifications needed. Depending on the wall type, different mounting methods are required:

For plasterboard, concrete or brick surfaces: use nylon wall plugs.
For wood: use wood screws, or in some cases staples directly into the timber.

When fixing on solid walls and plasterboard, use suitable fixings, and secure the panels 20cm in from each corner, this ensures stability. If you are installing a flexi-back panel, a staple gun is may be all you need if attaching to wooden surfaces, and cable ties or metal ties can be used to fix onto wire fences. Always choose a starting point that avoids any switchboards or access points.

Proper preparation ensures your artificial green wall remains securely in place, providing a lasting and beautiful feature wall.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

Installing an artificial green wall is straightforward, especially with proper alignment and spacing. The process is pretty straightforward and can be accomplished with basic tools. Proper alignment and spacing are crucial to creating a stunning green wall with TreeLocate panels.

Step-by-step instructions will help you achieve a professional-looking installation. Begin by choosing the right starting point and using a spirit level for perfect alignment.

Starting Point

Start at the top corner of the wall, either on the left or right side. Use a spirit level or chalk line to mark the alignment, ensuring straight installation. This initial step sets the tone for the rest of the process.

Once you know where the first panel is to go, mark the centre of the panel on the wall and create a centre line. Use a spirit level to make a straight line horizontally and measure along this line 30cm each side of the centre line. From these marks, use the level to create vertical lines and measure down 60cm. This means that you will have marked locations 20cm in from the corner of the 1m x 1m panel where the panel will be installed.

If you plan to add more than one panel, at this point you should extend the lines you have made across the whole space marking each fixing point as you go.

Securing the First Panel

Using a 6mm drill bit (unless fixing onto timber) drill into the surface of the wall to the required depth inline with your wall plugs recommendation. Once finished, you should have four holes.

Insert your plugs into each of the holes you have just made, and hammer it flat with the surface.

If installing TreeLocate metal mesh backed panels, your green wall will arrive with a handy installation pack. From this pack, drill the green wall holding bracket onto the wall.

Lift the panel onto the mounts and secure it in place with the bracket fixing screw.

Having a partner to hold the green wall panels while securing them can make the half process easier and more efficient. You can also attach a pair of them securely.

If you do not have an installation pack, place the panel in its position, and using a screw and a washer secure the panel to the wall. Starting at the top will make this process easier.

If you are installing a flexi back living wall and you are fixing onto plywood or another timber, staples are a great way to ensure a speedy, yet reliable installation. Another great option is to use timber screws and washers to hold the panel tight to the wall.

Connecting Additional Panels

Place additional panels directly close together to avoid gaps and ensure connected plants are not tangled. If you have pre-marked the wall and your measurements are correct, there should be no problems here. But it is always good to check the next panel as you go to be sure your markings are correct. You want to have a seamless appearance.

1Working from the top row down is the best method. You should complete this first row installation, only installing the next panel on the second row below once you have.

This method ensures your green wall looks continuous and professionally installed, enhancing the overall aesthetic for a seamless look.

Customising Panel Sizes

Customising panel sizes is incredibly easy with utility knives or garden shears for a clean edge in the same way (if installing flexi-back plastic mesh panels) or wire cutters if working with metal mesh backed options. Mark cutting lines with a marker or chalk for accurate cuts.

Inspect panels for weaknesses before cutting to avoid damaging foliage. This ensures a perfect cover fit for unique spaces and shapes.

Final Touches

After installing all panels, focus on the complete final touches. Fluff out the foliage to enhance the appearance and gently adjust leaves and branches for a more natural look. And make sure there are no holes in the plants and foliage, this will look unrealistic.

Place adjacent panels closely together to avoid gaps and maintain consistent spacing. These final adjustments create a polished and cohesive appearance, making your green wall look seamless and professionally done. Be sure to blend these join lines so that multiple panels look like one complete covering.

Maintaining Your Artificial Green Wall

Maintaining your artificial green wall is simple and requires minimal effort. For indoor walls, regularly clean dust with a feather duster or wipe with a damp cloth to keep them looking fresh.

Use a hose set to mist for outdoor walls or rely on natural rain to clean the panels. These steps ensure your green wall and it's foliage remains vibrant and attractive with minimal upkeep.

Professional Installation Services

Professional installation services like those from TreeLocate are an excellent option for a hands-off approach. Expert installation ensures a high-impact finish and proper alignment.

Professional services often include an initial site survey to tailor the green wall to your project needs, with a skilled team handling the entire installation process.

Explore More Options

Beyond artificial green walls, other screening options include expanding trellises and faux hedges. These can complement your green wall by adding vertical greenery and more privacy.

These versatile solutions can be customised in size and shape to fit different spaces. Enhance indoor and outdoor environments with these low-maintenance modern systems; alternatively, create a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing look.

Summary

To sum up, installing an artificial green wall involves gathering essential tools, accurately measuring your space, choosing the right panels, preparing the wall surface, following a step-by-step installation process, customising panel sizes, and adding final touches. Regular maintenance ensures your green wall remains vibrant and attractive. For those who prefer professional help, services like TreeLocate offer expert installation.

Transform your spaces with artificial green walls and enjoy the beauty of nature without the hassle of maintenance. Let your creativity flow and create a stunning visual impact that will leave a lasting impression.