Fast growing privacy plants/trees

[bexta]

Hi all,
I'm having my front garden converted into a driveway soon but I would like to put some plants in between my drive and my neighbors 1) because theirs is ugly and there is a pick up truck parked on it 2) to stop people being able to see staright into my windows and 3) to break up all the brick and concrete in the street to make my house look pretty!

Does anyone know of something that will grow quick but stop at a certain height and something that is low maintenance? Also that won't have really big strong roots, it'll be planted right next to my neighbors and my own drive, the last thing a want is for the roots to start pushing up their drive like conifers would.

[Thunderbird+]

I think oneof the bast hedging shrubs is the Holly (Ilex)
Its evergreen and will provide year-round privacy, plus the added bonus of colouful berries if you plant alternately with male and female shrubs, some nice bright variegated forms are also available.
Others you might like to check-out are, golden yew, pyracantha, lonicera nitida and escallonia. Good Luck Tbird+

[bexta]

Thanks Thunderbird. Will holly grow out of control if I only trim it once a year? I have some kind of hedge there at the moment, I cut it back about 2 weeks ago and it needs doing again! Thats why it has to come out!

[WendyS]

You probably don't want to have to erect a fence first but variegated ivy grows very quickly, is everygreen (or green and yellow) & attractive even inthe winter. However, it will need some king of strong wire link fence to cling to, at least initially. However, it will grow thick and bushy and all it will need is clipping back once at year to keep it at whatever height you decide is appropriate.

Pyracantha does also grow quite quickly, but with its thorny prickles pruning it can be a rather fearsome chore. However, the white flowers in spring and red or orange berries in autumn are attractive (but much loved by birds).

Laurel is another option, slow to get started but grows quickly once the roots are established. but it's deadly boring and will need regular pruning.

[Thunderbird+]

Hi again Bexta,
Okay, it should'nt get out of control once you have got it up to the height you want, Holly is fairly slow at getting established and you will probably find youself willing it to grow with your secautres at the ready.
You only get one chance at this, so prepare the planting holes well and incorporate some good compost containing a slow release fertiliser and keep well watered, especially in the first couple of years.
Once or poss twice a year with the shears / trimmer should be enough, if you keep the hedge fairly narrow and tapered towards the top it makes it a lot easier to keep maintained.
The varieties 'golden king' and 'golden queen are a good combination if you want the attractive berries.
Good Luck Tbird+