What to plant for privacy along fencline?

[Anonymous]

We have an 8 foot fence and we have been benefitting from some trees on our neighbor's side of the fence that were fairly tall and provided a significant amount of additional privacy. For some reason they just cut them all down. Their call, I know, but now our backyard feels very exposed.

Is there anything we can plant on our side of the fence to regain that privacy quickly? Ideally we would want something that either is or would quickly grow to around 15 feet and be narrow enough to not eat up too much space in our yard. How much would it cost to plant fully mature trees? Is that even possible?

[Anonymous]

Green Giant Aborvitae's grow quickly. You can buy them at 2 feet or taller, and they fill in tight spaces.

[Anonymous]

arborvitae if you don't have deer. If you have deer - some kinds of holly. They are slower to grow though.

[Anonymous]

We have a few holly trees that offer privacy, beauty and many birds nests. And, sadly, many baseballs, tennis balls and probably more. Since the leaves are pointy, kids don’t like to retrieve the balls. We parents grab a rake and pull them out once a season.

So, it’s worth considering activities you anticipate happening in the vicinity of the tree. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

If my neighbor cut down their trees, I’d plant bamboo in retaliation.

[Anonymous]

Why do you need so much privacy? Are you nudists? We have a split rail and enjoy chatting to our neighbors over the fence, he gives ur dogs treats and doesn’t even have a dog himself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why do you need so much privacy? Are you nudists? We have a split rail and enjoy chatting to our neighbors over the fence, he gives ur dogs treats and doesn’t even have a dog himself.

OP here. Because of the topography and where our house sits, there is now a clear sightline from the road on our side directly into the main part of our house. I should have been more clear that it isn't the yard that is the primary problem, but seeing into our house itself.

[Anonymous]

I would ask the neighbors first if they are planning to replant and if so what they will use. Write a letter if you do not know them, and include a return envelope. If they are planting something that blocks the sunlight it restricts what will do well on your side. Right now the ground is frozen so they may be waiting until spring to plant.

Cryptomeria radicans (evergreen) may be a good choice (but needs lots of water first two years), especially interplanted with crepe myrtle (not evergreen, and need access to trim) to block some heat in summer.

[Anonymous]

OP a lot depends on sun direction and the drainage at the site where you want to plant.