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Privacy ideas

chris.coppenhallZhmaNBXKchris.coppenhallZhmaNBXK Posts: 2
in Problem solving
Hi, I am very inexperienced at gardening so looking for some advice. We have often noticed our neighbours staring over the fence so just want something to offer a bit more privacy. I have attached a photo which shows the area I am looking at. Unfortunately with the layout of the properties they can stand in their back door and stare into our garden/front room.

Does anyone know a suitable hedge to plant here to shield of the fence. I was looking at beech and lorrel hedges. I am concerned at how close I would be planting next to their house. Are these not suitable to be planted so close? If not then is then any alternative which wont cause any root/foundation issues but still offer good shielding.

Any advice would be much appreciated!


Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I can understand how annoying it is, but hedges are also tricky and are bound by height restrictions  - usually 2 metres.  A laurel hedge in particular, takes up a lot of room in width/depth, while beech and hornbeam can be kept tighter. You'd have to consider the maintenance too, and hedges can often cause 'neighbour' problems if they get too high. 

    However, a better way than that is to use a screen further into your garden, which you can then have climbers on, and it can be taller, but you also have the effect of perspective - bringing something closer to your house means the height can be smaller.
    It doesn't need to be fancy - trellis with posts concreted in, and a nice border a couple of feet in depth. one or two climbers would cover it if you make it around 12 to 15 feet in length. It wouldn't impact on your lawn if you're keen to keep a good area of grass too.   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    Never cease to be amazed how incompetent at basic design volume developers are...what a total ridiculous layout is that. 

    I agree with @Fairygirl a hedge wouldn't solve the problem. But certainly you can find a way to block the sightlines by coming away from the fence line. Maybe experiment with a few bamboo sticks to work out the optimal location for a free standing structure. That then you can drape in a climber of your liking.
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • chris.coppenhallZhmaNBXKchris.coppenhallZhmaNBXK Posts: 2
    Thanks for your suggestions. Sounds like good ideas  :)
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