Screening Trees for Patios and Balconies UK | Best Privacy Trees for Pots
- Kerri Cuthbert
- Apr 11
- 3 min read
Need privacy on a patio, balcony, or small outdoor space? Whether you're trying to block a neighbour’s window, screen an unsightly view, or simply create a more intimate seating area, trees in pots offer an elegant and flexible solution.
This guide covers the best screening trees for patios and balconies in the UK, including container-friendly evergreens, columnar trees, and topiary options that thrive in pots.
Why Use Trees in Pots for Screening?
Container-grown screening trees are ideal for:
Rented homes where permanent planting isn’t possible
Balconies and roof terraces with no ground planting
Small patios or courtyards with limited space
Flexible screening that can be moved as needed
They also bring height, greenery, and instant structure to outdoor living spaces—no digging required.
Best Screening Trees for Pots and Containers
1. Bay Tree (Laurus nobilis)
Type: Evergreen
Height in pot: 1–2m
Best For: Compact patios and doorways
Bay trees offer neat, upright growth with aromatic foliage that’s both practical and decorative. They thrive in containers and can be shaped into lollipops, cones, or bushy forms. Tip: Use two in pots to frame a seating area or create a green boundary.
2. Photinia ‘Red Robin’ (Standard or Half-Standard Form)
Type: Evergreen
Height in pot: 1.5–3m
Best For: Colourful, above-fence screening
Photinia provides bold red new growth and glossy green foliage. In standard or half-standard form, it’s perfect for lifting privacy above fences or railings while saving ground space. Care Tip: Trim lightly twice a year to maintain a tidy canopy.
3. Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica)
Type: Evergreen
Height in pot: 1.5–3m
Best For: Formal patios and tight spaces
This slower-growing laurel clips beautifully into topiary or compact hedge shapes. In large pots, it forms a dense privacy screen and tolerates sun, shade, and wind. Design idea: Use a row of matching pots to define a dining zone or create a screen.
4. Olive Tree (Olea europaea)
Type: Evergreen
Height in pot: 1–3m
Best For: Sunny balconies or modern patios
Olive trees are striking, low-maintenance and love warm, sheltered positions. Their grey-green foliage offers light screening without overwhelming small spaces. Bonus: Their Mediterranean look suits modern, coastal, or urban settings perfectly.
5. Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
Type: Evergreen
Height in pot: 2–4m
Best For: Vertical privacy with minimal space
These tall, slender trees are ideal for screening upward without taking up width. Perfect for lining balconies or framing views on roof terraces. Best in: Heavy pots to prevent tipping in windy spots.
Tips for Growing Trees in Pots
Choose large containers (minimum 40–50cm diameter) to allow root growth
Use loam-based compost (like John Innes No. 3) for stability and nutrients
Add drainage with crocks or gravel at the base
Feed regularly with slow-release fertiliser or liquid feed in spring/summer
Water deeply in dry spells—especially on balconies with wind exposure
Repot every 2–3 years or top-dress annually with fresh compost
Privacy Layout Ideas for Small Spaces
Line a row of trees in pots along a railing or low wall to block sightlines
Group tall and short containers for layered visual interest
Use matching pots and repeated trees (e.g. 3 Italian Cypress or Bay trees) for clean, symmetrical design
Create a “living wall” by combining trees with climbing plants or shrubs in containers
Shop Trees for Pots & Patio Privacy
At Bowhayes Trees, we offer a range of container-suitable screening trees that thrive on patios, balconies, and terraces.
✔️Hardy, pot-friendly varieties ✔️Half-standard, standard & topiary forms ✔️Delivered to your door from our Devon nursery. Explore Our Patio & Container-Friendly Trees
FAQs
What is the best tree for privacy in a pot?
Photinia, Bay, and Portuguese Laurel are great options for privacy in pots. Grown in standard form, they provide height and dense foliage while staying compact enough for patios and smaller spaces.
Can you grow pleached trees in containers?
What size pot do I need for a screening tree?
Do potted trees survive winter in the UK?
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