Hey everyone! My neighbors have a short, shabby fence that's not getting fixed anytime soon, and I'm in desperate need of some plants to cover it up while providing a little more privacy. I initially thought Cherry Laurel would be a good choice since it grows fast and is budget-friendly, but I'm worried about its toxicity to dogs. I've considered Bay Laurel, but that's getting pricey—around £700 for three per meter! I'm wondering if there are any other evergreen plants that grow quickly and won't break the bank. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
4 Answers
Just a heads-up about ivy—it can be a quick privacy fix, but it can ruin your fence if the wood is already weak. Instead, you might want to look into Pittosporum tenuifolium. They’re easy to grow and can become quite bushy with some trimming. Plus, check out the ASPCA's list for dog-safe plants—they have some cool options like clumping bamboo or star jasmine. Just watch for the non-evergreen ones in there!
I totally get your concern! I recommend looking into Hornbeam. You can buy it as a whip and plant them at an angle. This way, they’ll grow side shoots that will create a nice dense hedge! It’s a great budget option and not toxic to dogs either.
Consider going for a mix of Beech, Box, Hawthorn, and Holly. You could also think about a mixed native hedge for some variety. It not only looks good but also attracts different species to your garden, which is a nice bonus!

That's a great idea! A mix really adds character to the garden and helps local wildlife, too.