What is the best hedge for privacy in a small SE London garden?

Cherry laurel is the most practical choice for most SE London gardens. It grows fast (30–60cm per year), handles clay soil and shade, and stays dense with just one or two trims a year. For smaller gardens where width is limited, Portuguese laurel is a better fit as it stays narrower.

How tall can a hedge be without planning permission in the UK?

There is no fixed height limit for hedges and trees in rear gardens under UK planning law. However, under the High Hedges Act 2005, if an evergreen hedge exceeds 2 metres and a neighbour complains, the local council can require you to reduce it.

What grows fast for privacy in London clay soil?

Cherry laurel is the fastest-growing reliable option for London clay, reaching 1.5–2 metres within 2–3 years. Photinia 'Red Robin' also establishes quickly in clay with decent drainage.

Can I plant a tree for privacy without losing my whole garden?

Yes. Pleached trees form a raised hedge on clear stems, giving you screening at height without losing ground-level space. Multi-stemmed silver birch also works well as it has a light canopy that filters views without blocking all the light.

What is the best screening plant for a north-facing SE London garden?

Cherry laurel, yew and holly all perform well in shade and on clay soil, making them the top choices for north-facing gardens. Avoid photinia in heavy shade as the colour fades and growth becomes leggy.

How close to my boundary can I plant a hedge?

Plant the centre of your hedge at least 30–50cm from the boundary line. The hedge will grow outwards on both sides, and if it crosses your neighbour's boundary line they are legally entitled to cut it back.

What is the cheapest way to get privacy in a small garden?

Adding trellis panels on top of your existing fence and planting a climber at the base is the most cost-effective approach. Star jasmine, clematis armandii and ivy all grow quickly and take up almost no ground space.

Do I need planning permission to plant a tree in my SE London garden?

Generally no, but if you live in a conservation area (parts of Blackheath, Greenwich, Dulwich and Eltham) you may need to notify your local council before carrying out work on existing trees.