Many different plants can be used to screen an eyesore from view or to create a series of interconnecting vistas to draw the eye away from unsightly focal points A screen does not have to be planted on a boundary edge to be effective.
In many situations smaller specimens can be selected which, when planted closer to the viewing point, can be just as effective. Changing the perspective in this manner enables a large range of smaller shrubs, trees, bamboos and grasses to be used. However, in exposed sites a shelterbelt may need to be established prior to the planting of the permanent screening plants.
In exposed coastal situations the choice is more limited but the attractive low-branched, spreading Pinus radiata (Monterey pine) will thrive as will Quercus ilex (holm oak) but this may be rather slow in its early years. However, it can be hard pruned and even topiarised in later years.
Trees
Small trees that are suitable for the smaller garden, perhaps to intercept the view from a neighbour’s extension include the following:
Crataegus persimilis ‘Prunifolia’ AGM: 8m (26.5ft); crimson fruits and good foliage colour
Malus ‘Evereste’ AGM: 7m (23.3ft); white flowers in late April followed by yellow fruits
Malus x robusta ‘Red Sentinel’ AGM: 7m (23.3ft); long lasting, red fruit 2.5cm (1in) across
Prunus ‘Umineko’: 8m (26.5ft); narrow growing, upright tree
Pyrus salicifolia ‘Pendula’ AGM: 5m (16.5ft); silvery-grey foliage
Sorbus aucuparia ‘Sheerwater Seedling’ AGM; 10m (33.3ft); a vigorous, upright small tree with compact ascending branches
Sorbus vilmorinii AGM: 5m (16.5ft); rose-red to white fruits and good foliage colour
Where space is not a problem a mixed screen of some depth can be planted. For example: silver birches and Scots pine interplanted in two rows 4.5m (15ft) apart can be very effective especially when underplanted with cotoneasters, viburnums and poplars which can be removed as the screen develops. A more formal approach might include Davidia involucrata, Fagus sylvatica 'Fastigiata', Quercus rubra, Prunus padus, Sorbus aria 'Lutescens' or Catalpa bignonioides ‘Aurea’.
Shady sites on poor soils can be a problem but consider the evergreens Prunus laurocerasus, Ilex aquifolium or Taxus baccata. These can be planted as a dense hedge or as an extensive screen that will tolerate hard pruning. Where there is more sun consider Elaeagnus x ebbingei or E. pungens for screens up to 4m (12ft). These also tolerate hard pruning.
Before planning your screen conduct a simple survey to confirm the soil type and moisture levels as this may impact upon your selection. Consider also the proximity of drains, soakaways and any other structure or building that may be effected in the future and ensure that your obligations under planning regulations are fulfilled as:
a) Any new tree or hedge planting, adjacent to or nearby a public right of way or highway, may require the consent of the Highways and Byeways department of your local council.
b) Check that the covenants attached to your property do not prohibit the planting of specified species or features.
c) Consider your current (and future) abilty to maintain any fast growing evergreen hedges or screens.
d) Bear in mind that any tree that you plant may, in the future, require permission from your local council prior to any pruning work or felling taking place. This is of particular relevance to gardens within a ‘Conservation Area’.William Denne