There is already a fence, but it’s not tall enough and we have the ‘ugly’ side of the fence as it’s their property, so there purpose of the screening is to cover up the fence and make up the extra 2ft for privacy.
I understand. As well as the various suggestions such as yew or Thuja (which would need patience as they grow), my only idea is to have an 8ft trellis built on your side of the fence well away from their fence, and grow up some evergreen climbers like clematis armandii or trachelospermum.
The fence should stop most leaf drop onto the neighbour's side, as long as your plants don't overhang, unless it's windy and then they'll get leaves from all over anyway.
How much space do you have on your side for planting? You need to plant your hedge at least half its final thickness from the fence line so that it has room to grow without overhanging, and preferably more, so bear that in mind when you choose. Also, a hedge probably won't have much or any leaves on the side where it's facing the fence, if there isn't enough space for light to get to it. It would be rather a shame put expensive large plants up close to the fence and them have them lose a lot of leaves due to being shaded out by the fence. And you do need to think about getting between the hedge and the fence for trimming if they do grow over the boundary, or taller than you'd like and your neighbour is likely to be difficult about doing it from their side.
Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
I can position the trees so that they are about 500mm from the fence. I did think about growing them in large pots/planters so that I can move them if and when they need to be trimmed..
I think yew is a good choice. Gardeners' World this week goes into the whys and wherefores of planting a yew hedge.
I understand the urge to drop in a mature tree to give the longed for privacy. But it seems that the more mature the tree the harder it can be to get it to settle in the new spot.
Have you explored other options for a sense of privacy, perhaps sails, pergolas, arches and arbours?
"Something that will grow to a max height of around 8 feet and doesn’t drop any of its foliage."
Dwarf versions of some trees come in smaller heights (I don't know about conifers). Regular trees would not stop at eight ft but many trees can be hedged or trained. Some pyracatha might be a good choice - not a particularly neat plant - prune as you want it to be, thorny, great flowers and berries, evergreen. Mine grows like a triffid.
Hi all, I’ve just been looking at yew trees and it’s says they are quite poisonous when eaten, so my neighbour and ourselves have dogs so I’m thinking yew trees are not a good option, just in case the dogs decide to chew on any parts of it. What are you thoughts please?
Does your dog usually chew on random trees? If he does then you have your answer.
The countryside has many yew trees ... churchyards, gardens, woodland etc ... browsing animals (cows, horses, goats, sheep etc) have to be kept away from yew as they will eat it, but in all my years of living around yew and keeping dogs I've never known any dogs to eat any yew.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
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The countryside has many yew trees ... churchyards, gardens, woodland etc ... browsing animals (cows, horses, goats, sheep etc) have to be kept away from yew as they will eat it, but in all my years of living around yew and keeping dogs I've never known any dogs to eat any yew.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.