A compromise between the formal and informal styles would be a hedge of shrubs like the Savannah Holly. This holly reaches 12 feet in five years but acquires a pyramidal, Christmas tree-like shape that looks wonderful without pruning. Hemlock is a needle-leaf evergreen that can be grown naturally, pruned slightly, or pruned to a uniform shape. Other evergreens for tall privacy screens include Leyland cypress and skyrocket junipers. Hemlock and hollies tend to be somewhat shade tolerant, while cypress and juniper require a minimum of six to eight hours of sun.
Hollies have the advantage of colorful berries in winter.
Remember, pruned hedges are somewhat high maintenance. Always prune so the bottom of the hedge is somewhat wider than the top otherwise, top branches will shade the lower ones and cause them to thin out, giving a scraggly, unkempt look to the bottom of the hedge. When installing a hedge against the property line, it would be courteous to consult with your neighbor and perhaps bring him in on the design process. Remember, the screen will also block his views and limit his access. PageWise makes no representations about the content published on this site.