By Bbdines
United Kingdom 
We need to plant three trees against a south west fence in a small garden in Woking, Surrey, after removing three huge leylandii. Can you please advise on suitable trees that will not spread too much but give adequate screening, one to be a conifer to screen neighbouring bedroom window. We like the acer 'Sango Kaku', if appropriate but what would look good with it? Your advice will be greatly appreciated. We would like a maximum height of 20 ft.
Thankyou.
17 Sep, 2010
Previous question
A. palmatum 'Sango Kaku' will not reach 20ft. However, If you plant that afterwards, in front of a screening evergreen, it will show off to best effect. What space is available? Suggest you look at Sorbus aria 'Lutescens', Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra', Lyonothamnus floribundus subsp. asplenifolius (evergreen, and surprisingly hardy), Prunus 'Amanogawa', Pittosporum tenuifolium (evergreen). There's a few. Ensure the old roots are well dug away so that you can cultivate the ground well and make good room for the newcomers. Don't worry abot the inevitable fungus which will appear for a few years on the rotting conifer roots. Generally, they're a good thing. Phil J
17 Sep, 2010