@jla36, what a welcome to the forum! Personally I have found my questions on this forum have been answered speedily and helpfully but I have noticed that occasionally some like to stir things up a bit. However, in relation to your original question, our neighbour applied for planning permission to build an extension which would overlook our conservatory and outside dining area. We didn't object to the plans but planted 3 Himalayan Birch Jacmontii in the sight line of the overlooking windows. We bought them from "mail order trees" and they weren't very expensive. The foliage is fairly light so they don't block out totally but help the space feel more enclosed and private without making it too dark. I hope that helps.
@Suesyn Thanks for the suggestion. I would like a small tree, like you said just as a focal point and to draw attention. Are these tree's suitable for a small garden (with the proximity to nearby buildings etc, I'm an amateur at this)?
Hi and welcome @jla36. I think the trellis is a good idea and if it were mine and financially viable I would have a lovely summer house or gazebo put there - a little oasis. You could then plant some climbing roses to train up the trellis and over the summerhouse. It would look pretty as a picture.
Something like this.
@ditsy Excellent suggestion, a nice natural look and would create a pleasant small seating area. Thanks!
How tall is that existing fence? The photo might be deceptive but it doesn’t look 2 metres? You can certainly have a fence of 2m high with a short trellis on top of that which would screen the lower windows, but it depends on who owns the fence, what your neighbour thinks and your budget!
I like Suesyn’s idea of the birch, something tall and airy that is not too dense and overbearing. If strategically placed to block the worst of the overlooking from the areas of the garden you frequent most I think that would help a lot to create a sense of privacy. They don’t have to be against the fence, one farther forward will provide more height from the point of view of perspective.
It might also help you to visualise placement if you got a willing helper to wander around with a 3 or 4m pole whilst you are sitting on the patio. Then you can say, ok a tall tree there would need to be 8m high but there it only needs to be 4m etc. A smaller, airy tree like an amelanchier closer to your main seating area might work just as well as a tall tree near the fence.
Do consider the orientation of your garden and where shadows will fall though, if planting tall trees or installing pergolas etc. Especially if you are a sun worshipper!
Another idea is to install large, sturdy planters with a 2m high vertical trellis attached to the back, so you gain some instant height ‘for free’ so to speak before you have even bought a plant 😊
@nollie Your right, it's a fair way off 6 feet at the moment. I like the idea of the birch also, if suitable for the garden etc. The planters are also a very good idea! Lots to think about
Posts
@ditsy Excellent suggestion, a nice natural look and would create a pleasant small seating area. Thanks!
@nollie Your right, it's a fair way off 6 feet at the moment. I like the idea of the birch also, if suitable for the garden etc. The planters are also a very good idea! Lots to think about