I couldn't edit my post, so deleted it, I've added another angle to better illustrate things, thank you for the sensible suggestions so far.
As you can see, there was a tree here previously, but when we bought the house it had already been cut down with just the stump remaining. It was probably out of control as the previous owners were very elderly and the rest of the garden was very overgrown.
The window is our neighbour's stairs, which overlooks our back garden, lounge and kitchen, the lady that lives there is nice and not nosey at all, but she won't be there forever, so we'd like to put something in for more privacy and block the view from the window. I would keep it under control so that it doesn't cut off all light.
On the left is our external garage, on the right is our other neighbour who is also overlooked by this window. Behind the garage is the neighbour's side path, I am going to put some fencing in the little gap, so creepers on the wall are not needed, I wasn't clear on this before.
It's soil underneath the slate chippings, its a low point in the garden so gets plenty of water. The camera is pointing North, so it gets Sun throughout the day, most directly around noon.
I hope to get the stump out and would look to buy a tree that's already grown rather than trying to grow from seed. Ideally something that I can train to branch out to the left over the garage roof as I've marked out. Evergreen that doesn't shed too much, there are some larch trees here and the needles are a pain.
by TuskenRaiderBob
28 Comments
Interesting problem. How far back along the garage wall will you plant the tree?
Put up a photo of a magic eye picture in sight of the window, then your current and any future neighbours will stare at that instead of you.
Walk around naked a few times. They’ll board the window up themselves 🤣
Japanese knotweed.
What makes you think your neighbour is standing on their stairs watching you?
I wouldn’t be bothered unless they were problem neighbours
**What is it with people saying they can’t edit posts? Every platform allows edits. Spend more than two seconds looking. FFS!** 😡
**By deleting your original post you’ve wasted the time and effort of all those who replied to your original comment. Quite an arsehole move!** 🖕
Just grow a trellis and maybe a canopy you can make it out of curved canes tied together or steel.works but that’s more expensive wooden canes tend to last just long eblnough for a clementis or similar to support itself mostly
Our garden is overlooked by our neighbour’s tiny bathroom window. I don’t spend much time thinking about it.
I would look at using a rambling rose to clamber over the roof…should create enough screening
Poo a large garden gnome on the shed roof.
I think technically you could just block it with a narrow fence on your land. Likely creat issue but perfectly legal
This is paranoid behavior and honesty a dick head move if you plant a tree, its going to grow and block the light to their window.
Unless you’re having back garden orgies, why would it be a bother that someone can see into your garden briefly as they go upstairs? Total privacy is a rare commodity on this island, unless you can afford to move to a property on several acres.
Thinking about it maybe not a good idea to plant a tree right next to garage- roots could cause issues. How about a eucalyptus grown in a pot – should get high enough to screen window and can be kept under control if potted.
I’d be more tempted by some kind of bespoke trellis situation here. Wires along the wall opposite the fence and then a trellis that goes up above that and around to the front. Obviously don’t obscure the gutter. A fast growing rose like a lady banks’ rose would work well. Will just have to keep it pruned.
A tree is always gonna be a bit sketchy squeezed between the fence and the garage and a trellis saves you having to dig the old stump out.
Do you live in the wheelie bin? It looks like the very end of your garden.
Id think about putting something on the garage roof. Not sure what though?
Seek therapy, it will be faster than growing a tree.
A simple awning?
It looks like the neighneeds more privacy from you.
I wouldn’t bother.
Have your garage roof replaced with an apex style roof – will cost a few thousand. Otherwise, take note of the fact the neighbour seems to have slatted window coverings- they must see nothing of you. I think you are concerned about an issue that doesn’t exist.
I mean unless you’re planning on doing a bit of shagging on top of the bins do you really need privacy there?
I find the windows on half landings are often impossible to see out of. Are you sure you’re overlooked?
Holly bush
Why not board up your front windows too in case a pedestrian can glance inside your house as they walk past?
I trellis with planters framing the door would look nice. It would still allow light into your neighbour’s window
Why not approach the neighbour and say that you think they’re wonderful, but you’re worried about any future neighbours. So you wondered if they’d be interested in having a new frosted window installed if you paid for it. You might be able to just get the double glazed unit replaced instead of the whole unit which would be cheaper and less inconvenient for the homeowner. It would also be an instant and long-term solution.