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Good trees for screening on a patio

rachel.farrimondrachel.farrimond Posts: 1
in Plants
Hi, 

We’re looking to use some trees in pots to provide some privacy by an area of low fence next to our patio. Looking for recommendations for what would grow quickly to a reasonable height to provide privacy and be happy living in pots. 

Thanks! 

Posts

  • rebeccamM6CA_Gn6rebeccamM6CA_Gn6 Posts: 133
    Hi! Check this link out below, it might help, depending on your aspect and the wind etc. But I personally do really love flowering dogwood. Gorgeous and excellent for pollinators!

    https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/eight-trees-to-grow-in-pots/
  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    The plant you're after sadly doesn't exist...have a search on here for the hundreds of threads about privacy and a few plants will show themselves but large plants that grow fast don't stop at will, they keep going and become frequently a nuisance or need frequent pruning. It all depends on how big the pots are and the whole siting of them. Maybe add a photo to help get a more precise response. You may find out that if you need screening possible better to use a small clematis or a jasmine. After all you don't necessarily need something evergreen to block the winter sun, as presumably will be using the garden a bit less for sitting out when it's cold (same your neighbours).
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • purpletreaclepurpletreacle Posts: 50
    Beware of things that grow quickly - they don't usually come with an "off" switch once they've reached the height that you'd like!
    What final height did you have in mind and how wide is the overlooked area that you'd like to screen? 
    If you'd like privacy year-round, maybe a pre-trained panel of evergreen or colourful foliage?  As well as trees you could consider a shrub such as Photinia "Little Red Robin".

    Also consider that if your patio space is quite compact and you're sitting by the screening plant, you don't want anything that has a bushy form that is going to grow towards YOU as well as along/up the fence line.  Pleached trees spring to mind as taking up no space below fence-top level but are expensive, as they've already been expertly trained for many years. 
    If you could post a photo or give details of aspect, others can offer more specific suggestions.

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    As @amancalledgeorge says - this 'magic' tree doesn't exist  :)
    Plants in pots - containers, of any kind also need far more care than plants in the ground. The forum is littered this year with all sorts of shrubs/trees etc which are dying because they aren't getting the necessary care due to weather and temps. 
    Large containers, and a simple screen of trellis with climbers, is a far better option. 

    Large doesn't mean 12 inches either. That's small  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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