Tree suggestions for my blank canvas garden (gardening newbie)

[LoopyLu2019]

Hi everyone, I'm trying to be proactive as I want a nice garden for the summer so starting to think about establishing some plants. This is my first garden to work with so I have no idea what to do!

I have an idea for landscaping but need to find the right plants.

Firstly, I'm trying to improve privacy. It's a new build garden so over looked on all sides. I'd like some nice trees that distort rather than full block out above the fence line. Does anyone have any suggestions of trees that can be kept potted around the edge of the garden that grow to have a trunk height of about 6ft with foliage coverage that wouldn't be too intrusive? I'm thinking a line of potted trees so that roots dont damage the fence line, along the back fence to block out our opposite neighbours who can seen right into the house at the moment! If anyone knows fruit trees like this it would be the cherry on top!

Garden gets mostly morning sun, the fence line is exposed enough that it only really loses out on evening sun.

You need a year to get used to the garden and where the light is and how the drainage works ....
go for annual climbers like nasturtiums to cover and raise the fences and then look at what trees are thriving in houses in your area
that will like the soil

Thank you for your tips. We've lived here almost a year (moved in mid summer) and so I want to get started so we don't lose this summer to a square of overlooked grass. Drainage wise it's fortunately obvious because it drains into one slightly boggy corner near the house. We have chalky soil. Whilst I can identify some trees, the more obscure ones people tend to cultivate for privacy are unknown to me so if they grow well here I wouldn't know what they were unless they're your tradition oak, beech or silver birch! (Don't think my neighbours would be too happy about any of those down the line!)

Loopy
Your best bet is to go for something small and ornamental

• witch hazel
• davidia
• snake bark maple
• whitebeam
• ornamental pear
• hoopei crab

actually any of the ornamental crabs might be good if you can, visit one of the big gardens like Wisley or Hilliers to see what has the right sort of shape and size

Thank you so much! You've given me a place to start with. The whole idea has felt so daunting so far! I know what I want just not how to get there!

If you can get from the library or a charity shop a copy of "The hillier Manual of Trees and Shrubs"
you can search by size, colour, soil etc
its a wonderful book
I think the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) website has a tree chooser as well

Oo I will definitely check those out! Thanks

I think you will have difficulty in growing 6ft+ trees in pots. They need space for their roots, they drink lots of water, and if they are in pots either they won't grow very tall, and/ or they will fall over all the time and will need endless watering.

I have some very small trees in pots but we are talking 3-4ft tall in total including the pot, not screening height, and they are particularly slow growing varieties so will tolerate being cramped.

Why do you think the roots will disturb the fence line?

All of the small trees that TalkinPeece suggested would grow comfortably near the boundary of a garden without doing any harm to a fence.
If you are worried about roots which may pop up in unwanted places, avoid any plants which are prone to suckering (eg sumach, large lilacs).

A couple of extra suggestions;

amelanchier (esp Robin Hill)
large fast-growing shrubs such as ceanothus arboreus, solanum Glasnevin

I think you will have difficulty in growing 6ft+ trees in pots.
I have done for 20 years.
It involves an annual bit of work but it most certainly can be done
(olive, acer palmatum and pinus alba)

I bow to your greater experience!

I still think that the OP may have the wrong impression about tree roots and might not need to use containers at all

Thing is that trees are fine in pots for up to five years
and then life settles down

Crab apples are lovely, not for pots though. They are small, flower in the Spring, apples in the Autumn. They grow pretty quick, but you can prune them and keep them small. Get a couple so they cross pollinate.

Thank you all! We're going around a couple of stately homes near by to be inspired. I'm thinking of going for crab apples.
My main concern about roots is either they impact the fence or intrude on our neighbours. The latter being if the neighbours decide to dig up their side for what ever reason and come across roots, and damaging the tree. Could them cutting into roots kill the tree or would these sorts of tree survive that? I remember a cherry tree at my parents being killed after DDad went straight through a root digging a hole to sink a fence post in.

Hi Loopy
Yup, fruit trees can drop dead if the primary root is cut
but I have a vintage Beurre William pear tree that had a concrete post put through its roots and has pulled through

Visiting big gardens - stately homes are good, botanic gardens even better is an excellent tactic

Have a look at the website for Barcham Trees. It is so informative and they have hundreds. There is an easy to follow guide but the are happy to answer email queries. The are very expensive but sometimes spending out on one mature tree can give you a focus to work around the rest f the garden. Think of it as an investment.

What about some bamboos in pots?. My neighbour has some in large pots along our adjoining wall and they give a lovely dappled light and rustle gently in the breeze. They are about 9 foot tall

I also love going round private gardens when they open, for charity or under the NGS scheme. Plenty of them are small/medium so it's easier to visualise the ideas in your own garden.