Barrier against traffic.

I have recently moved into a new build in Stirling and the back garden is laid to grass with fencing all round.
I would like to plant either trees or shrubs against the north fence as there is a fairly busy road and roundabout a few yards behind it.
Don't want the barrier to be too high, around 7/8ft perhaps. It is also a windy corner. I would like something attractive and evergreen. I don't particularly want conifers but as we have a soggy soil could it be advantageous as the conifers would soak up a fair bit of moisture? I was thinking something fast growing.
Can anyone advise on an attractive barrier 12/13 metres long I also need advice on how and when to plant so it's a tall order.
Many thanks

 

Hi serene,

You're asking quite a bit there and a lot more investigation into the site conditions is required before offering the correct advice.

Firstly, trees will only remain at a 7'-8' height through regular pruning and shaping and only certain species will adapt to this kind of treatment, namely the lawson/leylandii (conifers), hawthorn, blackthorn, holly and field maples etc. In order for these to survive you need to assess the soil conditions first and perhaps add drainage if deemed too wet. As for shrubs, well, there are plenty to chose from including ones like laurel, privet, berberris, cotoneaster and viburnum. Planting is best undertaken in the autumn as the soil still contains enough warmth and nutrients to see the tree through the dormant period. Remember to keep the trees well watered and fed using organic material. Use a mulch around the base of the trees to help retain heat & moisture as well as supress weeds and pests.

Hope this is of some help.

 

Thanks for the advice treesurfer.
I have a heavy clay soil so I guess I will need to apply some organic matter to aeriate it. Also looking into the possiblity of field drains as the earth is so waterlogged.
Laurel is very nice but deep and bushy. I do love the very small cotoneaster (horizontalis) trained to grow upwards as it is a great back drop for climbers like clematis and that could look very attractive. I may do a bit of both trees and shrubs intermittently.

 

Serene, you could try Escallonia. It`s evergreen, flowering and easy to maintain. If you buy container plants they can be planted at any time of the year as long as the soil is not frozen or waterlogged.

 

Thanks David
I have had a look at this plant and is easy to maintain and is beautiful.

I would also like something scented and attractive to the bees etc.

Jackie

 

You could give Daphne odora a try, this a scented winter/early spring, flowering evergreen. Which is attracrive to bees and birds. Privet is highly scented and will attract butterflies. Mahonia, though not scented, is a nice bit of winter colour and attracts birds. You could also use Skimmia and Viburnum tinus as well.

 

Thanks again David, I have moved all my pots from my previous address and I have a Daphne in a pot , must look at the privet you suggest.
I will need to make a plan and attempt to upload a picture of what I have at the moment, then hopefully you guys can give me your expert advice.
jackie