How tall does the privacy screen need to be? If you just want something 4-6 feet tall, you can get grasses or bamboo which are fast growing. Otherwise, I'd recommend columnar evergreens.

I have put 3 arborvitae in last fall to see how it goes. I dont see a lot of people having success with them so didnt want to put more and waste money. Five to Six foot tall would be great. Would consider grasses...so many to choose from, but not sure what would work well/hardy (Michigan 6a) and not be a over achiever and take over. Any help? Thank you ahead.

We did one with alternating arborvitae and lilac. They grew in really nicely in just a couple years.

That sounds lovely auntthelma, for me just dont think there is enough room for lilac bushes in that narrow area. Some as narrow as 1 1/2 feet.

Big bluestem is a prairie grass that is 5- 8 feet tall. Grasses do spread. It's a native American grass. There are versions that are suited to cold climates. Bison is a cultivar. Indian grass grows 3-6 feet tall. You can find an Alaskan Cedar that is columnar. Nootka or something like that?

Grasses do spread. Whether they spread slowly and nicely or overrun your garden when your back is turned is a function of your climate and soil. Your local extension agent should know. If they spread slowly, you can figure on not worrying about having a 6 foot prairie in your yard. I used to move every 4-5 years and planted mint happily in my gardens. Then, we didn't move on that quickly and, Oh, my, what a nightmare.

What about training flowering clematis along the chain link fence. Little to no maintenance and it won't grow too wide and the flowers are gorgeous.

Thank you saratogaswizzlestick: I have tried a clematis there for years, gets LOTS of green , 2 or

3 flowers :( Tried cutting it back in fall, tried cutting back in spring....same result. Tried not cutting it back, again looked ugly and got 2 or 3 blooms.

Thank you Sigrid. May have to try grasses. If anyone knows which ones do well in Michigan 6a, especially if you have had success yourself, would be so helpful.