Any tips for planting conifers for a border?

[K-Rod]

Hi all,

I'm planning on planting some kind of border between my garden and the neighbouring garden for privacy. Currently there is a low fence which offers little privacy and is not very good in stopping footballs, frisbees, tennis balls etc from flying into the neighbours garden!

I have a number of questions I would be grateful if anyone can answer please.

Would conifers be the most appropriate type of shrub to use?
Are there any alternatives to conifers?
Any suggestions where to buy? Are B&Q ones any good or poor quality?
How far apart should they be planted so that they form a solid border?
How far from the fence should they be planted?
Does the ground need any preparation? It's a dark, crumbly soil but clay in parts.

I'm only looking for something in the region of 6 foot.

Thanks for your help and any other suggestions/comments are welcomed.

K-Rod.

 

[HERTS P&D]

Put up a 6ft fence.

Andy

 

[K-Rod]

As the fence is shared with the neighbouring house, changing this would involve them and would be expensive especially if they didn't want to contribute. I don't fancy having to dig out all the footings either.

Planting a coniferous border would be quicker and would not involve the neighbours as it would be planted on my side of the existing fence.

Thanks.