Can anyone recommend a very fast growing tree pls ?

[kellygreen]

Hi, basically we have neighbours from hell, who are in the process of erecting a 15ft climbing frame (for their one yr old) against our fence.
We really need to block this thing out as it looks horrid.
Anyone got any ideas?
Thanks x

eucalyptus grow fast

Eucalyptus are very 'thirsty' and the roots are invasive. My aunt's house needed to be underpinned- eucalyptus roots the culprit.
Maybe you could screen it with a trellis and some sort of climbing plant?

Weeping Willows and some poplars grow fast, you do need enough space though as you don't want it to take over your garden in 5 years time....

I have done loads of research on trees recently as we needed to plant lots to replace a huge row of conifers in our garden.

I would suggest Birch for your average size garden. Birch grow fast, they are good for screening (lots of slim branches and therefore lots of leaves) but dont cast too much shade. If you need really good screening you can plant three together or get a multi-stem tree.
They are tough, can tolerate poor soil, dry conditions and wind. They grow pretty fast.

Trees like Poplar and Willow do grow very fast but do have invasive roots and can cause damage to drains/foundations etc.

My favourite Birch is Chinese Birch
www.mailordertrees.co.uk/Betula_albo-sinensis_(Chinese_Paper_Birch_Tree).htm

The trouble is with deciduous trees is that they are leafless for many months and don't provide any privacy then. I take it you don't want monster leylandii? Try Thuja Plcata. It's a conifer that grows to about 15 feet and then stops. Be careful when buying to check the end height as some are dwarf. I have a hedge of them growing. Also they'll stay on your side of the fence unlike deciduous spreading trees. You don't want kids climbing into your tree do you? You can buy them big too.

Thuja Plicata.

What about Bamboo?
Great for screening but not too dense, easy to grow and evergreen...