Britons are buying more trees and big bushes to obscure their gardens from prying neighbours as stores see sales surge amid lockdown easing
- British Garden Centres says it sold £2 million of plants at its 58 outlets last week
- But the shifting fashion has also caused an increase in neighbourhood disputes with 170 per cent rise in reports of overgrown hedges and nuisance complaints
Britons are buying more trees and large bushes in an effort to obscure their gardens from prying neighbours.
Stores say sales are on the rise as householders seek extra privacy – especially as the relaxation of lockdown rules allows small groups to gather in private outdoor spaces.
Joff Wilson, executive producer of the BBC2 series Your Garden Made Perfect, said: ‘When we did our research, the number one thing people most wanted from their garden or outdoor space was privacy.
Stores say sales of trees and bushes are on the rise as householders seek extra privacy (file photo)
‘And we showed how a tall, well-chosen tree or mature bush in the right place can help create the year-round sanctuary people now want.’
The company British Garden Centres says it sold £2 million of plants at its 58 outlets last week.
Public relations director Boyd Douglas-Davies, said: ‘It’s been an incredible spring with people splurging cash on their garden.
‘We’ve noticed demand is for big trees over 6ft tall, especially fruit trees, and large foliage plants over 4ft, like photinias.
‘People want to create an instant backdrop for entertaining. A year ago, it was hard to sell these big trees and plants but the trend now is significant.’
But the shifting fashion has also caused an increase in neighbourhood disputes.
The Royal Horticultural Society reports a 170 per cent rise in people seeking help about nuisance and overgrown hedges.
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