How do i cover up a shady patch in my garden?

Question

Help, i have a gap at the bottom of my garden which i filled with fur trees, most grew tall but one wont grow at all, it isnt even dead either,how do i cover this gap up, needs to be somthing tall, cant think! Cats keep getting thru aswell so please help.

Answer 1

Some ideas to consider-

Laurel will grow well, fairly tall, to 25 feet or so, and does well in shady areas.

Hollies often grow as understory shrubby trees, so these could be used to good effect - their thorny leaves are also a good deterrent against intruders.

Rhododendrons will do well in acidic soil, especially if its peaty, or is supplemented and has good moisture levels.  A wide variety of colours to choose from, with annual flowering.  Choose the evergreen type.

Pieris japonica is a shade loving plant, for similar conditions to Rhododendrons,  this isn't a tall plant, but would help fill in any areas around your trees.

The rough leaved dogwood grows to 30 feet or so, good in an area of mostly shade.  Cornus drummondii

A quirky option - A hardy Eucalyptus would push up high, so that it gets the sun,  though will not do so well if it only grows in the shade.   Eucalyptus gunnii is reliably hardy, can be pruned to restrain its growth.  If not pruned, grows to 70' or so though.

I'd remove your fir tree that is suffering and not healthy.  Another option is to allow climbers to rample through your trees, such as Clematis montana, which will push up towards the light.

Hope this helps.  Good luck!  Rob