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Taking Conifers out?!

the tidy gardenerthe tidy gardener Posts: 591
in Problem solving

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Hi Guys!

I have 2 large conifers on my front garden (no I didn't plant them!) which have grown very tall. I did have about 5 others but got rid of these about 5 years ago. How I wish Id have got rid of these 2 as well.But they are good for privacy.

Thing is, im starting to worry about the fact that they are only a couple of feet away from the house, am I right to be worried regards the foundations of the house?

They are about 12 foot high  approx.

If I do get rid (and I would get a professional) I would miss the privacy, but what on earth could grow in its place? Im thinking shrubs -  not trees!

any ideas would be great

 

Posts

  • bekkie hughesbekkie hughes Posts: 5,294
    Ive put a pear tree infront of my window, its more of a camoflage than privacy screen, but its nice to have the blossom and fruit, ive even been known to put lights in it at christmas!

    I forgot to say its only about ft after 10 years, i prune once a year image
  • bekkie hughesbekkie hughes Posts: 5,294
    Yo could always try some sort of trellis and a lovely climber, maybe an evergreen clematis image
  • the tidy gardenerthe tidy gardener Posts: 591

    thanks guys! yes, its time to bite the bullet and take them out. and yes, I think I will wait until autumn I don't want anyone treading on all my geraniums that have yet to flower!

  • Hortum-cretaeHortum-cretae Posts: 979

    Pittosporum - especially p. 'Silver Queen', or 'Abbotsbury Gold'. Neither will get naturally too tall anyway, and pittosporums are very easy to prune (May/June). A generally sunny site protected from the cold north and east are the preferred conditions for them.

    The conifer roots aren't a problem for the house, surface rooting and slow-growing. (It looks like chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Ellwoodii' type).

  • the tidy gardenerthe tidy gardener Posts: 591

    thanks hortum! that's what I was most worried about!

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