[bluebelldell]

Hi folks, I have read the article on this site regarding trees for a small garden but I need something more specific I think.
The boundary wall on one side is barely over 5ft so I'm looking for suggestions for a nice screening tree or large shrub along one side, not necessarily all the way down but more so at the top near our house end.

I thought about bamboo but then was afraid of how it might invade, I already plan on planting a small cherry blossom at the end of the garden, and something else on the other side.

I think I need about three of something spaced along the wall bearing in mind I don't want to cut off my neighbours light - would silver birch be too much or maybe an Italian cypress?

We're installing a deck at the minute, not too high, just one step up but it will give us more of a view into our neighbours back garden than either they or us might want!

I have already planted my winter jasmine on this side and there is a clematis just getting established further along on a trellis, but something with a bit more clout would just be the ticket.
(bear in mind small suburban back yard)!!!
Thanks for all help and suggestions.

[tippben]

A "small" tree is one that eventually gets to 20-30 feet high. What kind of height and spread do you want? Italian cypress is a BIG tree. Juniperus communis "Hibernica" (Irish juniper) is similar in look and shape, but small and slow growing. Small trees at a decent size (6 foot plus) are expensive, as they have taken years of care to produce. If you want to screen the boundary, climbers trained on wires might work better. If you want screenage above it, get a "standard" tree, one with a 6 foot stem, then canopy above. Maybe a rowan? Sorbus aucuparis "Sheerwater seedling" has a narrow lozenge shaped habit, and can be reduced if it gets too big later.

[Sive]

Amelanchier could be the sort of small tree you are looking for.

[bluebelldell]