We have a small garden in a coastal area and want to plant a fast growing tree to provide privacy, that does not grow to high . Any ideas? We have already ruled old Leylandii
You dont ask for much - 'a fast growing tree that will not grow too high'! In a small garden, I would go for a silver birch. It will grow reasonably quickly, tend to slow down, has an open canopy that will cast a dappled shade and will not overpower the garden.
You don't say 'privacy' from what? If it's next door neighbours would a screening plant do, e.g. Bamboo, for the short-term while a slower growing tree gets going?