I need to create a privacy screen to block the house behind us and I'm having a lot of trouble deciding what to do. My biggest issue is we want something that will grow quickly and give us good privacy in year 1.

I don't like arborvitaes (too uniform) and going with something like all White Pines or Blue Spruces seems like an issue because of their cone shapes and the distance they need to be spaced out. I feel like there would be too many gaps in the first few years.

I'd like something that will be at least 4' by the end of this year and anywhere from 6-15' at maturity. I like the idea of using an evergreen but I'm open to something deciduous if it's got a dense branch structure that will still provide privacy in the winter. I don't mind a combination of shrubs but I don't want anything that requires too much depth.

I'm in Zone 6b (near Phila.) and the area will get afternoon sun.

We're currently planning on going with (5) 4' Skip Cherry Laurels (and 1 Col. Blue Spruce - see image). I'm now thinking about a hedge of Lynwood Gold Forsythia though since it's large and fast growing and I love that early spring color.

Any thoughts?? Thank you!