[Help] Which tree should I plant?

[Triggaaar]

A tree to match my exact wishes presumably doesn't exist, but I'm sure there are several that will work (eg, with a bit of trimming).

I'd like a tree to provide a visual screen from a neighbouring property. I would like the screening (ie, branches and leaves etc) to start from about 8 feet off the ground, and then spread out reasonably generously, growing to a decent height. Obviously if I plant a baby tree (I believe these are called saplings) it could take several years until it's tall enough for the screening to start at the required height and up, which is fine.

I would like the tree to have a long life and be happy (not a crying willow). There is a little shade around the location at low level, but it will get a fair amount of sun higher up. It's in Hove, so the soil is a bit alkaline, and there's moderate wind.

Any suggestions please ?

 

[Justice]

 

[Bald Head]

Plant a Round tree. you will get fruit pastilles when it bears fruit.

 

[chip]

Rohan grows quickly, not too tall and is an attractive tree with red berries. Silver birch is a bit more airy. Sycamore if you want quick growing. All trees are great, have a look at the woodland trust website

 

[Zeberdi]

A Silver Birch might be an idea - they grow comparatively quickly (about a metre a year when saplings) and grow to about 20 metres.

They have small and light green leaves so let in a lot of light whilst creating privacy (and great for wildlife) but they are deciduous.

If you want an evergreen then Laurel is a popular choice.

I have a Ceanothus in my garden which is covered in fantastic blue flowers each summer, is evergreen and is about 12ft tall now from a small potted plant 5 years ago. It can be easily pruned to promote height and not spread and bees absolutely love them.

https://www.ornamental-trees.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/ceanothus-trewithen-blue-tree-p856-13331_image.jpg?v=1737548864&width=880

 

[schmunk]

How much do you like your neighbours...?

 

[1066familyman]

Tilia x europaea - Common Lime.

Fast growing and great for wildlife

 

[Justice]

What about a Triffid? Down side they tend to go on walkabouts and kill people

 

[AmexRuislip]

A tree to match my exact wishes presumably doesn't exist, but I'm sure there are several that will work (eg, with a bit of trimming).

I'd like a tree to provide a visual screen from a neighbouring property. I would like the screening (ie, branches and leaves etc) to start from about 8 feet off the ground, and then spread out reasonably generously, growing to a decent height. Obviously if I plant a baby tree (I believe these are called saplings) it could take several years until it's tall enough for the screening to start at the required height and up, which is fine.

I would like the tree to have a long life and be happy (not a crying willow). There is a little shade around the location at low level, but it will get a fair amount of sun higher up. It's in Hove, so the soil is a bit alkaline, and there's moderate wind.

Any suggestions please ?

Try some type of Acer, they're beautiful.

 

[papachris]

A Silver Birch might be an idea - they grow comparatively quickly (about a metre a year when saplings) and grow to about 20 metres.

They have small and light green leaves so let in a lot of light whilst creating privacy (and great for wildlife) but they are deciduous.

If you want an evergreen then Laurel is a popular choice.

I have a Ceanothus in my garden which is covered in fantastic blue flowers each summer, is evergreen and is about 12ft tall now from a small potted plant 5 years ago. It can be easily pruned to promote height and not spread and bees absolutely love them.

https://www.ornamental-trees.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/ceanothus-trewithen-blue-tree-p856-13331_image.jpg?v=1737548864&width=880

I like silver birch. We have a lot of forest here (Estonia) and it's one of the most common trees that you see.

 

[PascalGroß Tips]

What about a Triffid? Down side they tend to go on walkabouts and kill people

When I saw the title of this thread, I wondered if someone might mention Triffids.

Back in 1981 I was working at a bank as a cashier. One of our customers was actor. Just small parts in the odd TV drama. He was a regular and so we knew him quite well. He mentioned to me one day that he had a part in The Day of the Triffids and that he was in the next episode.

So we watched it. His part lasted barely a minute as he was ‘consumed’ by a triffid outside a house. His lines were easy to learn. It was something like, “ aaaaaggggghhhhhhh”

 

[Triggaaar]

Rohan grows quickly, not too tall and is an attractive tree with red berries.

Thanks, I'll check it out

Silver birch is a bit more airy.

I have considered a silver birch. I think they're a good option, although I understand that most don't like alkaline soil?

Sycamore if you want quick growing.

Another interesting option, thanks. I'm checking out the types, and I definitely want to avoid the American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) - no, not because of the orange one, but because it's 'known to have destructive roots damaging sidewalks and roads'. I guess any tree of that size is likely to cause havoc to our patio.

 

[Harry Wilson's tackle]

Laburnums are good. I have seven of them. Here are a couple.

 

[Triggaaar]

A Silver Birch might be an idea - they grow comparatively quickly (about a metre a year when saplings) and grow to about 20 metres.

As above, that's the one I had considered. Are there any that are happy in Hove's slightly alkaline soil?

 

[Triggaaar]

How much do you like your neighbours...?

Well you know one of them, but that's not the one I'm trying to block out

 

[Zeberdi]

I like silver birch. We have a lot of forest here (Estonia) and it's one of the most common trees that you see.

Me too which is why I suggested it - I planted one in the garden when I lived in Hove. Grew splendidly. One of the most wildlife friendly indigenous trees in the UK (and spread throughout Europe) providing food and habitat for around 300 species.

As above, that's the one I had considered. Growing quickly and stopping at 20 metres is practically made to order for us. Are there any that are happy in Hove's slightly alkaline soil?

Yes, native silver birch they do well in the area just go to the local garden centre.

I actually bought mine from Woolworths in Blatchington Road before it closed down!

 

[Stato]

Rohan grows quickly, not too tall.

He was quite tall. However, you could get to see something like this in your back garden:

 

[Triggaaar]

Try some type of Acer, they're beautiful.

Acers are my favourite tree, I love the leaves, but I think they're too small for the job.

 

[alanfp]

I'm reading that a Rohan grows up to 15m tall. I'd like the tree to be 20m.

How tall is your neighbour??
20m (65 ft) is VERY tall. I think 15m should be tall enough (if you like the Rohan otherwise).

 

[Jack Straw]

A tree to match my exact wishes presumably doesn't exist, but I'm sure there are several that will work (eg, with a bit of trimming).

I'd like a tree to provide a visual screen from a neighbouring property. I would like the screening (ie, branches and leaves etc) to start from about 8 feet off the ground, and then spread out reasonably generously, growing to a decent height. Obviously if I plant a baby tree (I believe these are called saplings) it could take several years until it's tall enough for the screening to start at the required height and up, which is fine.

I would like the tree to have a long life and be happy (not a crying willow). There is a little shade around the location at low level, but it will get a fair amount of sun higher up. It's in Hove, so the soil is a bit alkaline, and there's moderate wind.

Any suggestions please ?

You suggest it needs to get to 20m tall? That is very tall! Look no further than the Sycamore, (Acer pseudoplatanus). Fast growing, and will get tall. Ensure you don't get a variety of it, as they tend to be smaller. A Japanese Maple won't fulfil your criteria.

Acer pseudoplatanus | sycamore Trees/RHS

Find help & information on Acer pseudoplatanus sycamore Trees from the RHS

www.rhs.org.uk