Okay, here's the situation. There's this street that runs along the side of my new house and along this street are more houses. My neighbors are very pleasant and I have no problem with them. The problem is that they can pretty much see right over our back fence into the backyard. No privacy!

We'd like to plant some shrubs or trees or something along this fence to give us some privacy. Something that will grow fast, but be full and provide privacy....and that doesn't need much water. I don't want something that I have to prune or trim all the time either like junipers. Oh, and I don't want something that's going to leave seeds or fruit pods or junk all over the sidewalk. I pretty much would just like something to plant, water occasionally, and forget about.

It's a standard 6 foot fence, so we need something that will grow to at least 8 feet, more is great. We have a few things in mind, but would gladly welcome any suggestions! Thanks in advance!

Hi gojenni! THIS may work for you!

I had it at one time, before we moved the garden shed. It was very pretty and lacy looking!

I would go with something like an upright arborvite...this will give you the privacy you are looking for all year long, regardless of the growing season. There are a variety of upright arborvites that grow different heights, so you can select one that best meets your needs. They are taller than they are wide, so you won't have to worrry about them becoming overgrown or taking over your yard. They are an evergreen and you won't have needles, leaves, seeds or anything like that to clean up.

This pic shows the use of upright arborbites used as a "privacy screen"


Here is a list of shrubs that are good for tall hedges (you'd have to look them up individually)
Buxus sempervirens
Cortaderia selloana
Euonymus japonicus
Juniperus chinensis ‘Hetzi’
Ligustrum spp.
Lonicera spp.
Pyracantha spp.
Prunus caroliniana
Syringa spp.
Thuja orientalis ‘Baker’

Here is a site that addresses the question What plants are good for narrow privacy hedges/screens?

Good luck!!
~Lydia