Potted tree to partially block view

bromine

I've got a rather unusual question.If my house has an unsightly view from upstairs front window, would it be possible to place a potted tree in front of the house to block it? Curtains are out of question because we do want to let the light in but just don't want children to look in a particular direction.

I hope that using a potted tree would prevent any subsidence issues. For example, these trees claim to be above 4m tall, so they should block the view out of the upstairs window. Do I need planning permission for these trees? A possible issue is that they could fall over in strong winds, so I might have to secure it somehow.

I've never seen this before so I thought I'd check here. Does this idea make sense? The alternative is to walk away from a purchase yet again.

FreeBear

A 4m high tree is going to need a very substantial and large pot to stop it from falling over - It may even need some seriously large steel pins driven in to the ground for extra support & stability. It will also need regular watering, which could be a problem if/when you have a hosepipe ban. Finally, Leylandii is not a tree you want - It is fast growing, requires regular pruning to keep it in check, and quite frankly, is an ugly tree with no redeeming qualities.

AdrianC

You don't want your children to look out of the window in that direction...

Stupid question, do your children ever leave that room?

k3lvc

AdrianC said:

You don't want your children to look out of the window in that direction...

Stupid question, do your children ever leave that room?

I too was intrigued as to what the children are being guarded from 

bromine

k3lvc said:

AdrianC said:

You don't want your children to look out of the window in that direction...

Stupid question, do your children ever leave that room?

I too was intrigued as to what the children are being guarded from 

Told you it was an unusual request 

It's a view into a neighbour's garden. It's not an issue from ground level but just from the upper floor.

swingaloo2

Whats in the garden that would be upsetting for the children? Would the children actually care about the view?

AdrianC

swingaloo2 said:

Whats in the garden that would be upsetting for the children? Would the children actually care about the view?

It's a sexpond hot tub, isn't it...?

sheramber

You can get opaque window film to put on the window which will still let light in but obscure the view.

Skiddaw1

I was going to suggest the same as @sheramber . Some film is really attractive I think. See Etsy link below for example.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/831096232/grasses-branches-glass-decor-window?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=frosted+window+film&ref=sc_gallery-1-3&plkey=c8f80f715888ac8e45df3c5427d4cd9e62be6e84:831096232&bes=1

Tell you what, when the kids are in bed you could sell spectator tickets and make a fortune!!

bromine

Thanks @sheramber and @Skiddaw1 but this would (i) obscure the entire view and (ii) won't work when the window is opened.

The link in OP was just an example and I could use a different tree. I just want to gauge the opinion on the general idea, but it looks like this forum doesn't like it.

FreeBear

bromine said: The link in OP was just an example and I could use a different tree. I just want to gauge the opinion on the general idea, but it looks like this forum doesn't like it.

I don't think the forum in general is rejecting the idea of a tree, just offering alternatives.

The right tree could work (just not Leylandii). But you do need to consider that it will require a very large pot, regular watering, and quite likely stakes to stop it from blowing over.