Privacy Planting along existing brick garden wall

[rockinrockyrobin]

We currently have a 5ft brick wall running the length of the side of our garden (we are the corner house)

This means that we tend to get a number of people passing and looking into our lounge or into the garden plus the land across the road has recently had a children's nursery and nursing home built which has meant a further loss of privacy, during the day

Extending the height of the wall would be costly (it's reclaimed brick) and would require negotiation with the council

We are looking for something to plant on our side of the wall that will look attractive but also provide a bit more privacy and encourage us to use the garden a bit more (decking and landscaping is planned), in terms of perhaps bushes or small trees

However I am concerned about the damage that roots might cause to the wall or any underlying pipework and wondered about the best plant or way of doing it

CLumping bamboo or hornbeam have been suggested along with digging down to create planters to contain the roots rather than plating them freely along the wall

Any suggestions or help welcome

 

[Deleted2797112]

There are lots of possibilities. Bamboo is a good suggestion as it's quick growing. As you already know, you need a clump-forming variety. You could put up 6ft trellis panels on posts hard up against but not attached to the wall and plant with a selection of climbers for colour and interest all year round.

If you want a something hedge-shaped, pyracanthus is fast growing and defensive. Or cherry laurel - dense and evegreen. Or the dreaded leylandii - in the right place and properly maintained, it's great for privacy and screening and is very fast growing. Or less formal than a hedge, a variety of shrubs for all year interest - holly, choiysia, philadelphus, dogwood, hawthorn, amelanchier, wild rose, berberis............etc. etc.

Before you make a final decision, check that whatever you're considering is suitable for the aspect and soil type.

 

[scbk]

Can you not fit about a foot of timber to the top of the wall? Planks/trellis etc?

 

[Deluks]

The pyracanthus is a v.good suggestion, you wouldn't need full 6ft panels though, maybe some 2ft deep trellis at the top of the posts, plant at the bottom of the posts and train the plant up and along the trellis. You'll need some thick gloves and sharp secateurs to shape up.

You could then have a variety of smaller shrubs under the trellis, against the wall.