Tall screening plant question

t.callander91

Hello,

I have a 7 meter long border with a fence on one side and a path on the other. The border is only 35cm wide.

I’m looking to grow a plant/hedge which will grow between 1.7m - 2.5m to act as a screen from our neighbours.

I’ve searched everywhere to find a suitable plant or hedge that will grow in such a thin border and not encroach too far over our path. Can you help with suggestions?

The position is full sun with new top soil/compost mix. I don’t mind if the plant stays at its full height all year round or if it needs cut back during the winter. As long as it acts as a screen during the summer months when we are in the garden.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Tom

Picture - we are still waiting for the pavers to be laid.

t.callander91

K67

Why can't you make your border wider?
All plant grow out as well as up.
cant you put another plank over the gaps in the fence I think it's called hit and miss fencing

Pete.8

I agree that's a very narrow border and there's always a dry spot at the base of a fence so I think plants may struggle there. It's often advised to plant about 12-18" away from the base of a fence.
You could go for some tall grasses, but whatever you plant there will smother the paving in a few years.

t.callander91

K67 said:

Why can't you make your border wider?
All plant grow out as well as up.
cant you put another plank over the gaps in the fence I think it's called hit and miss fencing

We have a ramp coming up from the house which we need to match the width so I can’t come out any further.

I’ve screwed in a row of slates on the fence to stop the soil from spilling through.

KeenOnGreen

All sensible advice from the others above.  If you cannot widen the border, then I would avoid hedging plants, and instead go for climbing plants.  With the right selection, it may take up less overhanging space, but you would ideally need to attach it to the fence, or pick a variety which would naturally do so.

If it doesn't need to be evergreen, clematis would be one solution.  Virginia Creeper is also nice, and grows very quickly, if you want quick coverage.  You will still need to water well, for the reasons given by the others.

t.callander91

KeenOnGreen said:

All sensible advice from the others above.  If you cannot widen the border, then I would avoid hedging plants, and instead go for climbing plants.  With the right selection, it may take up less overhanging space, but you would ideally need to attach it to the fence, or pick a variety which would naturally do so.

If it doesn't need to be evergreen, clematis would be one solution.  Virginia Creeper is also nice, and grows very quickly, if you want quick coverage.  You will still need to water well, for the reasons given by the others.

Thanks for that advice. Would the climbing plants go much higher than the fence? Ideally we want a plant that grows higher than the level of the fence...