Trees for privacy - I’m clueless

[maldivemoment]

Hoping for some advice ‘cos I haven’t got a clue. Basically our back garden backs onto a street, which means we need a bit of help with privacy. We have some fencing & hedges which are about 6ft but this still means if we’re out in the garden people can see over the fence and if I hang the washing out the entire neighbourhood can see my underwear!

Looking for recommendations for some trees we can plant to provide some modest privacy. Don’t want gargantuan leylandi but maybe something which will provide a bit of a screen for us. Any suggestions?

For context; we’re west coast of Scotland. Very close to the water so exposed to a lot of rain & wind. Very good soil. Trees would be about 15ft from the house.

Thank you.

If your garden is very exposed I guess your washing isn't going to be hung out on many days? And who cares who can see your underwear? Also I'm surprised people can see over a 6ft fence - does the ground slope?

Anyway in answer to your question, silver birches grow quickly but tend to be skinny with long trunks before the branches start, and deciduous which won't help in the winter. Hawthorn is very tough but usually grown as a hedge, and also deciduous. I'm glad you have ruled out leylandii. Thuja may be an alternative evergreen.

@squashyhat thank you.

When folk are walking on the pavement opposite it immediately raises their eye level, hence they can see in somewhat. And yes, our washing is out most days! Dries in minutes! 😆

Have a look at some trees in people's gardens in the local area that do well in your exposed conditions, and maybe choose something like that.

Oleaster (Elaeagnus ebbingei) might well suit those conditions - it's often grown as a hedge but you can get them grown as standard or pleached too. Photinia might also work.

Thank you @canthavethatonethen & @SpecduckularlyQuackers

Talk to a nursery about natives.

Silver birch?

Holly?

A vote for Red Robin (photinia) from me.

Hawthorn, holly, eucalyptus, laurel... Photinia is quite popular round here.