Which trees to plant?

[sundaymorningtime]

Hi

Grateful for any advice please!

We've had work done on our garden and now need to plant trees (all we have is grass).

I know nothing about trees!

We want some that will be evergreen and grow pretty quick as need to block an upstairs window of our neighbours which is across a very narrow lane and looks straight into our back garden . They will need to grow on a slight bank in clay/chalk soil. Don't want all one type as I think it will look too bland. I'm not sure how far apart to plant them either! Happy to spend up to £450 ish on 2-3 of them and then have some other (hopefully cheaper and albeit smaller) ones too.

Is there anyone who knows about trees who can give us some advice please?

Eucalyptus will do that.

The Crocus website has lots of info about what conditions each shrub or tree need. Something evergreen that is low maintenance. Bamboo looks very nice. Shrubs with flowers would break it up a bit. Be careful about blocking the ndn window as there are rules about height. What do you mean you want to block their window. Do you mean you want to block their view.

www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=1022

www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=763

It very much depends on how big your garden is and how far it is from your house/other buildings. Can you give some dimensions, a plan or photos?

Fruit trees would be nice. I'd go for cherry apple and plum.

No idea if they're suitable for the location though.

Alternatively you could try something like a pergola or tall posts with grape vine and roses

Barcham trees have the best website and are happy to answer any questions. They are expensive as they supply mature trees, but there is nothing to stop you using them just for research.

Thanks all. Well there is our back garden which is long and ends in our drive. Then a lane about 12ft in width, then neighbours front garden and house. Our garden and house is lower than theirs so there isn't much chance of us blocking their light too soon!

Trees will be planted on the middle ledge. Behind the muddy ledge (where the portaloo is!) will be our parking area

Better picture of muddy bank/ledge

don't get a Eucalyptus, they are very thirsty and will soak up all the water in your garden so nothing else will grow.

If you want privacy as fast as possible, look for places that sell Pleached Trees. Those are trees that have been grown into the shape of a flat lollipop, often in order to give privacy in small gardens. Hornbeam can be a good variety.

If you really want evergreen, maybe a variegated holly that could be pruned into the shape you need. but it will take a few years to get there.

A copper beech can also look wonderful and keeps its leaves in winter so it will give you privacy. but in 50 years it could take over the entire garden if you don't prune it back each year. They can be grown has hedging so it won't mind being pruned.

other trees that are good for a small garden include Rowan (neat, grows quickly but not too big, nice berries in winter) and Crab apple.

But do look carefully on the crocus website and the RHS website for trees that grow to the right size and which will like the conditions in your garden.

I wouldn't recommend fast growing/bamboo or eucalyptus! All a nightmare quite quickly!

That doesn't look a huge space for that many trees... check the full size of a mature tree...
Fruit trees are great -if you will pick/use the fruit otherwise just wasp traps!

Buying couple decent trees is better..,
I am a fan of Holly-as an every green, hardy good for wildlife, instant Christmas decoration and native.. not fashionable though....
Early cherry-beautiful blossom
Acer/maple -colour changing leaves interesting shapes...
Silver birch not evergreen but nice trunks and swooshy... more delicate And tall rather than bulky !