Best Trees for Screening out overlooking windows?

Hi All

I’m moving into a new build house that is overlooked from
the back, which I need to try and improve with the right variety of tree.

I’m after something that can provide a light canopy of
screening, thus still letting in the light but blocking out the direct
overlooking windows of the houses behind (Definitely NOT anything like a Leylandii)

The developer has already planted a couple of Birch trees
(see picture below), which I would certainly consider planting more of in order
to achieve a quick screening out of the houses behind. Are there any other
trees people here could recommend to provide a screening that is:

• Fast growing
• Trees will not become too large in size
• Light canopy that lets light through
• Do not create a massive root system that could cause issues latter

Many thanks in advance;

[attachment=2540]

 

My dad grows willow for that purpose. You have to be a bit careful with your choice of willow vareities though. I don't know the name of the one my dad grows but it is the kind used for living willow structures. It has been selectively bred to grow fast and straight. Willow is supposed to drain the ground of moisture, but my dad still manages to grow lots of flowers right at the foot of it. He has to give it a hair cut every year though, because in the right conditions it can gain 6ft per year.

 

I would grow a pleached hedge of something - Hornbeam or Lime perhaps, but lots of possible plants. Ashridge Trees sell some "fan trained Limes" which are the same price as normal standards, but have been pruned to be all in one plane, ready for training into a pleach.


Before


After




Before


After
http://www.instahedge.com/case-studies/before-after/

 

I've bookmarked that bamboo supplier. Good find.

 

[size=large]Bamboos are lovely to look at. Although if you ever have to eradicate them it will be a hell of a job.[/size]