As your house isn't overlooked that's a major plus. I'd be careful about putting a line of trees along that whole fence line as it could be quite oppressive. I'd think about deciding on a location for a seating area in your lower garden and make that secluded with a either a staggered line of fastgiate trees or large shrubs, or a pergola with a venetian style slatted roof and side, or covered with climbers.
Another option is to speak to a member of the residents' committee of the adjoining apartments and see if they would consider replacing the fence soon, incorporating some trellising or obtaining planning permission for a fence height exceeding the current limit. You could offer to contribute to the cost. They may be equally concerned about privacy!
Thanks to all for these suggestions, it's given us a lot to think about!
I like the idea of a row of fastigiate trees - as we don't want to protrude too much into the garden. We'd like to keep that part of the garden clear, as a sort of mini playing field, as it's the most level part and there aren't any other trees in that area.
My wife had the idea of banana plants along the fence (having seen some of our neighbours specimens), although this wouldn't work in the winter!
Unless your hedge is 3-4 metres or more high, it's never going to screen that block, would take years to reach that height, and would mean a lot of trimming each year.
Trees would be better, but I would go for a woodland/orchard effect, where they are dotted around the garden, and you can walk/sit in between them, rather than planting a row of trees up against the fence, as a barrier screen.
If you plant trees too close to the fence, they will be more difficult to establish, as fences create a rain shadow, and their roots may push the fence out of alignment in future. If the trees overhang your neighbour, they will have the right to cut anything overhanging their property, which you may not like, and nor certain species of tree.
I recognise the block, we live just along the road from you. If you want any advice about good local nurseries and garden centres, private message me. Welcome to the area!
Small world! In the development plan for that block, a row of laurel hedging was supposed to be planted along that fence, but for whatever reason it never materialised. As someone else said, the privacy issue is probably worse for them as we can see right into their apartments!
Creating an orchard sounds great - we might do that at the back of the garden, as there's already a large apple tree.
Thanks for the offer of advice, we were going to hit up the garden centres later in the month - will PM you.
Posts
Another option is to speak to a member of the residents' committee of the adjoining apartments and see if they would consider replacing the fence soon, incorporating some trellising or obtaining planning permission for a fence height exceeding the current limit. You could offer to contribute to the cost. They may be equally concerned about privacy!
I like the idea of a row of fastigiate trees - as we don't want to protrude too much into the garden. We'd like to keep that part of the garden clear, as a sort of mini playing field, as it's the most level part and there aren't any other trees in that area.
My wife had the idea of banana plants along the fence (having seen some of our neighbours specimens), although this wouldn't work in the winter!
Small world! In the development plan for that block, a row of laurel hedging was supposed to be planted along that fence, but for whatever reason it never materialised. As someone else said, the privacy issue is probably worse for them as we can see right into their apartments!
Creating an orchard sounds great - we might do that at the back of the garden, as there's already a large apple tree.
Thanks for the offer of advice, we were going to hit up the garden centres later in the month - will PM you.