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Summer is the perfect time to enjoy your garden, and it is often when gaps in screening and the need for extra privacy become most apparent. Whether you are looking to screen overlooking windows, neighboring seating areas or an unattractive view, the summer months allow you to identify exactly where coverage is required. While tree planting is traditionally associated with autumn and winter, you can certainly plant screening trees in summer, provided simple aftercare steps are followed. This season is actually an ideal time to plan a screening project, as you can clearly identify sightlines and position trees exactly where they are needed most.
Why plant screening trees in summer?
Enjoy the benefits while spending more time outdoors
See exactly where additional privacy is needed
Position trees for maximum screening effect
Create instant structure and year-round interest
Our Favourite Trees for Summer Screening
1. Photinia ‘Red Robin’ is one of the UK’s most popular screening trees, prized for its vibrant red new growth and dense evergreen foliage. With a mature height of 4-4.5m, it is an ideal choice for those seeking effective screening without excessive height.
8-10cm girth: £228.00 inc VAT
Pleached 1.2m²: £399.00 inc VAT
2. Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Novita’) is a vigorous evergreen with large, glossy leaves. It is an excellent choice for quickly forming a dense and reliable screen.
Prunus laurocerasus ‘Novita’ (Cherry laurel)
10-12cm girth: £268.00 inc VAT
3. Portuguese laurel (Prunus lusitanica) is a refined alternative to Cherry laurel, featuring smaller, neater dark green leaves and a slower growth rate. It is ideal for those who prefer a tidier appearance, as it is much easier to clip into formal hedges.
Prunus lusitanica (Portuguese laurel)
6-8cm girth: £228.00 inc VAT
4. Chinese privet (Ligustrum lucidum ‘Excelsum Superbum’) is a striking variegated screening tree with cream-edged foliage that adds brightness and contrast to the garden.
Ligustrum lucidum ‘Excelsum Superbum’ (Chinese privet)
8-10cm girth: £210.00 inc VAT
4. Chestnut Leaf holly (Ilex castaneifolia) features a naturally dense, pyramidal habit that creates excellent year-round structure. Its distinctive large, glossy, dark green leaves resemble those of the Sweet Chestnut and add a unique texture to any garden.
6-8cm girth: £168.00 inc VAT
Planting Tips
Regular watering is essential, particularly during the first season after planting. For more advice on planting, watering, and maintaining your trees, please consult our Tree Care Guide to discover how to get the best results from your new trees.
In summary, while it may require a little extra care, you can definitely plant screening trees during the summer to enjoy immediate privacy, structure and impact. By planting your trees now, you can enjoy a more secluded garden right away.
Read More:
A Guide to Screening Trees: Is Photinia Good for Natural Privacy?
Bare Root Planting Tips: How to establish a native hedge on a tight budget
A Guide to Pleached Trees: How effective are Hornbeam at creating privacy?
