I've found a fast-growing, cheap tree that blocks out neighbours, doesn't shed its leaves & stays green in the winter

The Sun

4 days ago

Many of us want to keep our nosy neighbours away from peeping into our gardens.
Beth Mardsen, from the UK, took to social media to share how she did it without building a new fence.
In the clip, she showed off her garden fence which was already tall enough that neighbours sitting in the garden wouldn't be able to see over.
But her garden was clearly visible to her neighbours if they were in the upper level of their house and peering through the windows.
So she decided to take matters into her own hands to stop them seeing in.
In the clip, she said: "Do you want to stop those nosy neighbours looking at you in the garden this summer?"
The homeowner said she had the perfect buy - cherry laurel pleached trees.
She said that these trees were 'the best budget-friendly evergreen trees if you're after low maintenance, year-round privacy and a fast-growing screen.'
Pleached trees have been specially trained to have a clear, smooth stem and a screen of branches.
They are often trained into a rectangular or square shape, and are typically used for creating privacy screens.
She attached the branches to the the trellis above her fence to encourage them to grow through the structure.
'We wanted to create privacy from the loft extensions at the back of us,' Beth explained.
'We planted them with a gap in between each tree.'
to save on money, Beth added more support canes in between the trees to encourage them to grow out wider.
Beth showed what they looked like a year after planting, and you could see they already had dense foliage.
She then showed what they looked like today, with the neighbour's loft completely blocked from view.
Beth added that most councils won't require planning permission for the trees and that's not even the best part.
These trees are evergreen which means they stay full all year round for maximum privacy.
The cost of one tree will set you back around £100 so costs will vary depending on how much fence you want covered.
The clip soon went viral on her TikTok account @ iambethmarsden with over 500k views and people were quick to thank Beth in the comments.
One person wrote: "Anything to block out nosy neighbours I will support."
Another commented: "In the UK there is such a lack of privacy in the garden, this is a great idea."
"Win win for you and neighbours. Privacy for you all, no fence. Nice tree, not overpowering everything. Looks great," penned a third.
Rules on fences and trees
Fences:
Height Restrictions: In most areas, fences in front gardens should not exceed one metre in height without planning permission. For rear gardens, the limit is generally two metres.
Shared Fences: If a fence is shared with a neighbour, both parties are typically responsible for its maintenance and any costs associated with repairs or replacement.
Building Regulations: Ensure that any new fence complies with local building regulations and does not obstruct visibility for drivers or pedestrians.
Trees:
Ownership: Trees located on your property are your responsibility, including any damage they may cause. Conversely, trees on a neighbour's property are their responsibility.
Overhanging Branches: You are entitled to trim branches that overhang into your property, but only up to the boundary line. The cut branches should be offered back to the tree owner.
Protected Trees: Some trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). Check with your local council before undertaking any work on a tree, as unauthorised work can result in fines.
Roots: If tree roots from a neighbour's tree cause damage to your property, you have the right to remove the roots. However, it is advisable to discuss this with your neighbour first to avoid disputes.
Always consult your local council or a legal adviser for specific regulations and advice.
Meanwhile a fourth said: "Beautiful! Give nature a chance!!"
"This is what I want,' claimed a fifth