Recommendations for Evergreen Trees/Shrubs for Privacy in a Small Garden

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice on choosing evergreen trees or shrubs that I can plant in my small garden to create some privacy from my neighbours, please see attached picture. I’d like something that adds beauty to the space but doesn’t grow too tall or develop a thick trunk. Ideally, I’m looking for plants that can be pruned annually to keep them manageable.

Here are my key requirements:

• Evergreen, to provide year-round privacy.
• Doesn’t grow very tall (preferably something I can keep under control with pruning).
• Not too large in terms of bark/trunk size.
• Adds aesthetic value to the garden.

Does anyone have suggestions for plants that might fit these criteria? I’d love to hear your experiences and any tips you might have on keeping them well-maintained.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

Azara serrata is an evergreen shrub that has small orange fragrant flowers late winter early spring (for us). We do prune ours back if we find it growing too strongly in one area.
Azara serrata (Saw-Toothed Azara) | BBC Gardeners World Magazine

 

The strawberry tree, Arbutus unedo, is evergreen with bright shiny leaves and sprays of white flowers which develop into fruits like strawberries, popular with blackbirds. It doesn’t usually need pruning but can be shaped and maintained to whatever height you prefer.