A frequent concern for homeowners in new build estates is the lack of privacy in their rear gardens due to overlooking windows. Here we have recounted a recent planting job and explained how we helped a customer to create privacy in their overlooked garden. we have also shared the best practices for ensuring that any new or replacement trees stay healthy and thrive. We have also shared the best practices for ensuring that any new or replacement trees stay healthy and thrive!

Case Study

We were recently approached to suggest a suitable screening tree solution for a new build estate in Braintree, Essex.

For this particular customer, we needed to find a year-round screening solution that would reach a mature height of approximately 5 metres. It was also important that the screen be evergreen, reliable, and straight forward in terms of maintenance. The customer also specified that the planting location would be about ten metres away from buildings. This constraint meant we had to avoid large, high-moisture demanding trees due to the potential problems they can create.

Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) met this requirement perfectly as it is disease-resistant, particularly tolerant of cold winds, and requires minimal maintenance. Seen here in standard form, with a clear stem and a full, dense head of foliage, these trees were effectively planted against a fence to block the view of the house behind the garden!  

Planting Result

This installation achieved 80% coverage immediately, with fuller coverage expected to take a maximum of two growing seasons. Our customer now has an instant screen so they can start to immediately enjoy privacy in their garden.

We also made sure to provide guidance on the best methods for maintaining healthy trees. The most important thing for this customer to do is maintain a regular watering schedule. Following this schedule over the first few growing seasons will ensure that the soil stays moist. For more detailed information, please take a look at our article on watering newly planted trees!

Hopefully this demonstrated how to create privacy in an overlooked garden, but we’re always available to answer questions or offer advice on choosing suitable screening trees. We also deliver throughout mainland UK so don’t worry if you’re not local to the tree nursery. Even some of our larger mature trees can be sent to you within 24 hours with specialist delivery experts!

Read More

• Screening Trees
• Top 10 Screening Trees
• Laurel Trees (Prunus)
• Photinia trees used as a cost effective natural screen to block view of unsightly factory
• Hornbeam trees used to create privacy in the garden of a new build home
• Prime Minister Boris Johnson visits King and Co the Tree Nursery as part of Conservative leadership campaign