screening new block of flats

I've got a bit of a dilemma! I bought my house 18 months ago mainly for the 130ft garden. Unfortunately a block of flats have been built 20ft from the back fence and look a bit imposing. Yhey are only 3 stories and bathroom and kitchen windows but I would like to hide them. The sun doesn't pass that way so what can I grow quickly that will reach about 20 ft in height?I have planted a Pawlonia but are ther any other quick growing trees or shrubs?

 

Oh deary dear! First one to mention Leylandii gets a visit from my chainsaw!

BTW, Welcome to the board!

Problem is that anything to grow that height quickly will be a monster that forgets to stop. Pawlonia can reach 40ft in 10 years so be prepared to keep an eye on it before it runs away from you. Tree surgery ~especially~ near adjacent property is expensive. I would go for mid height and slower growth. perhaps rowan or silver birch with maybe one larger specimen of something like a copper beech or sweet chestnut.

[ 06. February 2006, 06:30 PM: Message edited by: frogesque ]

 

Hi davido, I have a similar problem with a block of flats. i'm just about to cut down 12 leylandi that have grown to 40 ft high. they are horrible devil trees...don't get them.
I currently have a quote of �£1100 plus vat to remove them and grind out the stumps. ahhhhhhhhhh!

I need something that is evergreen to go in the hedge at the end of my garden.

I have a 6ft holly tree that could be moved? how quickly do they grow?

 

Thanks for all the help. Think I'll go with the silver birch. Lleylandii is a bit tempting but I'll try to resist!

 

DANNY_P:

You would be struggling to move a 6ft holly tree. They are very slow growing, long-lived trees and don't take well to any root disturbance. Unless there were no other options and it had to be moved I'd leave it where it is.

 

just to add, If you buy trees that are well on their way, usually dearer, you will save yourself some time and make sure the area soil is in good condition.

 

I agree with Hans. It's often worth paying more for larger plants, and saving a few years....Delivery is expensive, but you can get quite large trees in a hatchback!