We recently paved a small patio and want to plant some trees along the fence line to block our neighbours.
The fence is about 1m from the patio edge.
We are wanting something evergreen (non deciduous plant).
Originally we were thinking Acmena Smithii Lilly pilly- but we love the idea of having a couple of trees so we can prune efficiently and also create a layered garden (trees to screen the neighbours, mid level plants between and smaller plants or grasses).
We aren’t sure what’s possible considering how close the patio is to the fence, and we don’t want to jeopardise its structure/ foundations.
We’d like to prioritise Australian natives.
North facing yard, no pipes in the near vicinity.
*We will be digging up the sand and filling the garden bed with high quality soil in late autumn to start planting in Spring.
by SSBLzaps
9 Comments
Perhaps a magnolia little gem with dianella and lomandra ground covers
Callitris Rhomboidea would fit in that space. Three in a hedge would completely block the neighbours out.
I asked a similar question. Got no real advice unfortunately. I hope you fare better.
https://www.reddit.com/r/GardeningAustralia/s/UYVtmUTwjZ
I dont think you’ve got enough space here for trees. Pittosporums might work but anything else would have too big of a root ball and will push up the pavers in time. Even if you plant Pittosporums you wont have enough room to layer plants underneath, the Pittosporums will take up all the room. You’re probably better putting up a privacy screen and growing something up it. It looks like you’ve already got a healthy vine (Hardenburgia maybe?) that would happily grow on a privacy screen.
I put a row of Port Wine Magnolia and some Camelias into a similar sized gap. Just be aware that it will take time to get to height.
If you want to block out quickly, then get some big pots and grow bamboo. Or you could do both.
Edit: Just saw you would prefer Aussie natives. Maybe some Callistomens (Bottle Brush) would be nice if pruned.
Callitris Preisii if you’re in the west
Does anyone know of any small draft gums that may work? We also love the look of Watergum luscious, and lighter green foliage trees!
You can still plant Lilly Pillies, just standardise them (cut off the branches on the lower part). The lower branches will continue to try to grow back as long as there is sun hitting the stem, just prune off the sprouts to keep it in a Standard form. Different varieties are different sizes. “Select form” is a skinny one (1m max) and grows about 2-3M tall. They drop leaves when heat or water stressed, so to reduce leaf drop, pop in a drip irrigation hose under the mulch. Syzygium Lilly Pillies are a great choice to not disrupt the patio as the roots are pretty chill so able to be used around foundations and pools.
Personally, I would install a robust trellis and let the neighbour’s vine keep doing what it’s already doing.
That would leave you free to put smaller protective native shrubs and groundcovers, plus a water feature to attract the birds.
Native birds need mid and lower level habitat and cover, not tall trees. Pizzey’s classic book **A Garden of Birds** may be in your local library