I need a tree and some privacy!!

[Ikillplants]

Hello, Im not a gardener, I need some privacy in my back garden as I am overlooked.

I have a garden approx 15m long and 6m wide, I'd like to buy approx 3 trees to create some privacy along the back fence.

This is my wishlist - I'd like them to have very narrow trunks, no low branches, I'd like them to let sunlight in - not too bushy - just to let us have a little more privacy but not completely invisible, not too tall, it doesn't have to be evergreen, I don't want to upset my neighbours.

To help you imagine my garden, I have two jasmine plants climbing up a fence and then a big climbing frame, I'd like to plant the trees in between this, there is about a 1m gap, the fence is about 7 feet high and Id like the trees to splay our above the fence to add another 4/5 feet height to create some shade and to provide 'a semi private garden' as there are approx 5 houses overlooking our garden.

I really hope such a tree exsists? any tree names that I can look up would be much appreciated.

[Tursiops2]

Hello... er, Ikillplants , welcome to the forum .

Silver birch Betula pendula would probably fit the bill. An attractive, fast-growing native deciduous tree, it casts a light shade and is easy to grow. It also has the benefit of being good for wildlife. It will eventually grow higher than 12 - 13 ft, but not for a few years and can be kept under control.
T2

[JennyS]

How about fixing something like a trellis to the top of the existing fence?
It'll give instant privacy, won't eventually shade either yours or your neighbours garden and you can plant climbers like Clematis, Ivy, Honeysuckle etc up it...

[Tursiops2]

Originally Posted by JennyS

How about fixing something like a trellis to the top of the existing fence?
It'll give instant privacy, won't eventually shade either yours or your neighbours garden and you can plant climbers like Clematis, Ivy, Honeysuckle etc up it...

He'd need Planning Permission for that - any boundary feature over 6'6" requires PP, and he's at 7' aready

[JennyS]

Ooops didn't think about that .........

[Hedera]

What about one of the prunus variety: different leaf colourings and blossom and have small trunks. Acers, or a hawthorn?

[Hobjob]

I'm with Tursiops - Silver birches provide a lovely
dappled light. Their one downside is that they are
a bit messy though.

Similar light can be had from some of the gums - but
you will need to prune them regularly as they grow
like fury. They of course give shade all year round.

[Ikillplants]

Thanks for your help!!! much appreciated!!