Is the purpose is to screen out the neighbor's window? Or do you want to screen out the neighbor's entire building? Are you thinking a hedge, or just one individual plant?

Laurus nobilis is pretty slow growing in sun. It is very slow growing in shade. How long of a grow in time are you expecting for that hedge?

Hey, hoovb. The purpose is to screen out the whole yard. The area in the pic is about half of the 100 linear feet I'll be planting them. So, I figure 20-25 to create a nice hedge.

Nil13, I had read that they were slow growing. At first I considered that a disadvantage, because c'mon, who doesn't like instant gratification? But the more I think of it, probably a good thing once they're full size, huh? Then maybe I don't have to trim them as much?

So, is that the main disadvantage to growing them in shade -- that they grow more slowly? I just want to feel confident that they'll actually grow, even if I must be patient.

Bay is eventually a 35' tree. That doesn't happen fast, but the tree's DNA wants it to happen, so long term there will always be a conflict between what the tree's DNA wants and what you want. Long term, a plant that wants to be closer to the mature size you desire--it's a good idea.

If you are not expecting instant results, consider Camellias--they make a long-lived, dense screen in time, with the bonus of beautiful winter flowers, and root systems that will do no harm to the block wall, or your yard, or any pipes in the area. If their roots are shaded, they have quite low water requirements, once established. Camellias are under story small trees in their natural habitat, growing in dryish soil beneath larger trees.

Nuccios in Altandena could give you suggestions as to which varieties would do best for you.

Other shade-lovers to consider perhaps Fatsia japonica, Schefflera arboricola, Acuba japonica. Keep in mind that in always-shady areas, soil retains moisture a lot better than in sunny areas, so don't be quite as concerned about water needs in those areas as in all-day hot sun.

It could also be mentioned that one day your neighbor may cut down everything in his/her yard, leaving your hedge exposed to sun. It happens. Doesn't hurt to plan for the unexpected!

Bay laurel is pretty vertical in habit, anywhere other trees with more spreading growth will be seen over it or near it a visual tension will be created, the laurel appearing to be thrusting up into the other plants. Also laurel grows pretty tall in time - one at the University of Washington (Seattle, USDA 8) was 45' high about 10 years ago - although it is very tolerant of shearing.

I've noticed in parks in Italy that bay laurel gets a little thin if grown in too much shade. But the growth habit is mostly determined by the lighting during its spring-summer growth season, so evaluate based on light during those seasons. Don't forget to calculate future growth of neighbor's trees.

Though it can be trained up into a handsome tree, the more it is shorn in its younger years, the bushier it will be.

Have you evaluated another Mediterranean plant, myrtle? This is Myrtus communis, not the flowering Asian crepe myrtle tree. This is a small-leaved evergreen shrub, hardy through blistering heat, sun, frost, drought. It is reminiscent in form of boxwood, but with a nice scent, and faster growing. Like all sun-loving plants it can get leggy in deep shade. Find out if anyone in your area is growing it and if they are having success. Its tender growth tips are nice as a culinary herb.

Good luck with your hedge!