British Columbia: Seeking tall cedars/trees (16'+) for privacy screen

Hi everyone,

New to this forum and faced with a problem that, after scouring this forum's archives, seems to be all too common in the Metro Vancouver area. In short, I have a 'monster home' being built next to mine and my family's privacy has been completely lost.

When tearing down the previous house on the property next to mine, my "lovely" new neighbours completely cleared their lot of all the trees, too. This included a magnificent 50 foot cherry tree and cedars that were over 25 feet tall. I'm certain that they did so without any thought as to how the removal of these trees would effect their privacy, as once they move in I will be able to look into their world as much as they will be able to look into mine. Regardless, I suppose removing the trees was their right as it was on their property and the city authorized their removal.

I am seeking to install tall/mature trees on my side of the fence to regain my privacy.

However, because my house's kitchen and primary living room are on the second floor, I am requiring species that are AT LEAST 16 feet tall, and it's proving to be challenging (cost aside) because there appears to be (1) a shortage of cedars in Metro Vancouver/Fraser Valley that the height I seek and (2) it's going to be tough to get trees that size into my backyard due to the narrow walkways on each side of my house.

Anyways, I am wondering if anyone knows where I can source cedars that are 16 feet and over?

Furthermore, if you have any other ideas as to what species of tree might be suitable for my immediate need of a privacy screen, suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I've looked into some columnar deciduous trees, and my hesitation with them is that, obviously, they are without leaves for the winter months. I've also looked into some bamboos but I fear them spreading uncontrollably and/or not being tall enough.

Oh, and my lot is 50 feet wide, if that assists.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

 

Putting in mature trees would be very costly and, as you are finding out, hard to source. Your other option would be to get clumping bamboo - it grows very quickly and there are some that will get close to 30ft tall.
Check out Bamboo World in Chilliwack

Canada's Bamboo World | Bamboo Plants

 

How does tall bamboo hold up in high winds?

 

Its very flexible and very strong; mine (an unknown clumping variety) is currently about 12ft tall and just bends in the winds.
And if you've ever tried to snap a bamboo cane you know how difficult it is do so.

"Bamboo has a higher specific compressive strength than wood, brick, or concrete and a specific tensile strength that rivals steel."