Advice needed please!

[Chippo]

Hi

These photos are my back garden and I would like to do something to add more cover/privacy from the road. I live in the Czech Republic and there's no English speakers nearby so I can't ask the neighbours! So my questions are:

1) If I plant arborvitae along the wall, is there a risk that the roots will damage the wall? I think it's made of concrete.

2) If I plant arborvitae, will the roots damage the trees that are already there? You can see there's a couple of maples and a magnolia quite close to where they would go.

3) Are there any bushes I could plant that have "small" roots and therefore could be planted close to a wall without ruining it?

4) Are there any items that I can intertwine into the fence itself to create more cover?

Any suggestions gratefully received as I'm a first time homeowner who has zero experience!!

Thanks

 

[ChanellG]

The quick and easy solution would be to plant fast growing vines along the fence/wall. Your best bet would be to go to a local nursery and consult someone who is knowledgeable of native plants as you will want something evergreen that will thrive through the weather seasons.

 

[Sheal]

Arborvitae or Thuja's have a shallow root spread and are not quite as invasive as other conifers. It's unlikely they will damage the foundations of the wall but they will sap nutrients and water from the surrounding soil. Anything else planted near or under them will suffer.

Chanell's idea is good. You could also plant hedging, but most varieties will take a number of years to establish. Griselinia or Laurel establish fairly quickly.

 

[Marck]

Greetings, welcome to the Forums.

I agree that planting any of a number of hardy vines would be the best and most attractive solution. Most hedges would be bulky and coarse in comparison. Though both a hedge and a vine will periodically require some pruning. maintaining the vine can be an easier task and one that would provide more aesthetic and and functional benefit, while taking up less space.

If complete, year-round privacy is truly required, I suppose an evergreen vine such as Common Ivy (Hedera helix) would be the best choice, but I would encourage one to consider deciduous vines that could provide you with Spring flowers, Autumn colour, and even possibly a Summer crop of fruit.