Best trees/shrubs for privacy?

[seahrchin123]

I want to plant some conifers or similar for privacy at the back of my house. I would also like something evergreen for my front garden so I can open my blinds without people seeing in my house

Any thoughts?

Many types of conifer can be a real nuisance if they get too big. Fast growing, light blocking, suck up all the moisture, not wildlife friendly, bulky, etc. Also they have to be properly trimmed to keep them looking good, if over trimmed you are left with horrible brown areas which never grow back.

Laurel is popular but again, can get big (wide) but does respond to pruning although it can take a while to recover if done very heavily.

My personal favourite is Beech as you get the green and/or red leaf in the summer which then turn brown but stay on the branches over winter, thus providing privacy and habitat.
Mix in some holly for a more varied & colourful effect.

Red Robin is becoming ever more popular, especially pleached for (almost) instant privacy.
Years ago I hardly recall seeing it at all but it is everywhere now.

Thank you so much

If you don't need it to get too high you could plant a shrub in the front garden like a rhododendron, where bigger species get to a couple of meters tall, or a camellia.