On 10 Apr 2011 14:52:13 GMT, "AL_n" wrote:

"Bob Hobden" wrote in
:

Bamboo makes a good screen but be careful which you choose and
surround it with a deep barrier to stop it wandering.

Thanks to all for the replies. Is there a 12-ft tall bamboo?
Anyway, you've got me thinking... perhaps there is something other than a
tree that would do the trick. The problem is, that it needs to grow at
least 10 ft to provide the privacy I need, but mustn't grow more than 12 or
13ft, otherwise it'll encroach on someone's sea view.

I don't mind doing a bit of pruning each year, but I'm reluctant to lop
trees because it usually messes up their beauty, I think. However, if
someone knows of a type of tree where this doesn't apply, please let me
know...

It does sound like a case for one of the bamboos: if they like their
quarters they do grow fast, and they do stop at a particular height.
But, as Bob says, they do need to be restrained at root level once
they get going. Plug "bamboo nursery" into a search engine, and see
what's out there. I'd start here for official basic info,
https://xxx.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/profile.aspx?PID=79
and maybe here, but try to find somewhere cheaper to buy from:
http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/bamboo/plcid.301/

--
Mike.