Mid-sized trees zone 6B with hedge.... Suggestions??

I found this website while looking for information on trees -- mid sized trees that will grow to around 20 feet and survive in zone 6B. My husband and I have bought my mother's 60's home and are renovating and adding to, much to the dismay of one of the neighbors. The County says that we can build this addition as does the neighborhood Architectural Review Board..... but the neighbor is not happy. He wants to build a 12 ft fence between our homes to afford him some privacy since we will have two windows that can now look into his back yard. I would much prefer greenery to a "wall" and am looking for mid sized trees to put in front of the offending windows (about 27 feet from the house in a 4 ft strip of land between our driveways) so that he doesn't feel as if his privacy is taken away. I also need something for a hedge that will grow to a height of about 7 ft and will form a hedge along a 25 ft span under these mid-sized trees. I have spent lots of time in nurseries and have spoken to a number of people.... my top choice of tree is Acer palmatum, Sango Kaku...... the coral bark maple..... leaves come out early and stay fairly late and it has color throughout the year. For the hedge, I like the "skip" Laurel.....very dense and has a nice dark green color year-round. That said, I know that there are other ideas to be had and I would love feedback from those in the "know". I also have thought of dogwoods or the purple plum --- but each has its drawbacks. Thank you in advance for your suggestions

Acer griseum (paperbark maple) is also a nice tree. It leafs out fairly late, though. Yews, though not exciting, make a dependable hedge and can be trimmed with hedge clippers.

I appreciate your reply........ I will take a look at both your suggestions. Thank you so much.....

Assume it's full sun from your possibilities so far. Are you sure deciduous trees are acceptable? He won't complain about the five or so months without screen? If so, there are lots of nice ones. I am in 6B and love 'Winter King' hawthorn. See my photos of it in PlantFiles. I love Japanese maples but he might complain if he has to pick out the inevitable seedlings that will result. Also, they prefer afternoon shade and protection from winds. Don't know if those exist. Would also hesitate recommending fruit trees/shrubs, even though there are many that will fit the bill as well as provide fruit and good fall color - serviceberry (amelanchier) and crabapple pop to mind. Stewartia pseudocamellia is another nice smallish one. There are viburnum that will grow that tall and they can rarely be beat - they are one my absolute favorite plants. Even hardy bamboo is a possibility. Try to give a bit more information about the area, sun, orientation, protection, etc. Good luck.

Victor

Thank you so very much, Victor, for your response. I will try to answer the questions that you posed. The piece of land where the plantings (screen) will be planted is about 4 ft wide and 27 ft long and is located between the neighbors driveway and mine. The sun goes from E to W over this area and the afternoon sun is filtered as the neighbor has an Ash tree that affords a 30 ft canopy over the area as well as other large trees in his yard. Our homes are on the other sides of the drivesways, so the homes do provide some protection. -- The pictures of 'Winter King' were very nice. I particularly liked the winter photo with the fruits..... it reminded me of one of my favorite winter plants, deciduous holly. Would it be possible for me to find several of these that are 12 ft tall when planted? -- The neighbor actually would like to put in 'Emerald Arborvitae' or some other evergreen vice a deciduous tree. These would have to be 12 ft high to start to suit him and I think they would be difficult, if not impossible, to find.(Not to mention extremely expensive if you could find them) Arborvitae will eventually grow to that height, but it will take a number of years. -- As far as deciduous, yes, there will be a period of time when no leaves will be on the trees..... but if the tree is dense enough, the branches should form a bit of a screen. I believe that the neighbor is most concerned with spr - fall when he would be out in his yard and a deciduous tree would fit the bill. That is why I liked 'Sango Kaku' as it leafs early and the leaves are on the trees through the fall color. I do understand the seedling issue..... lived next to someone once who had a Japanese Maple. I have also looked into the crabapple and purple plum. And I also love,Viburnum but could I get several that were 12ft tall? Bamboo would also work, but I am not a fan of bamboo. -- My next concern is a hedge underneath whatever tree we might select. If I could get the 12 ft trees (which would cover th offending windows) then I would only need to find a hedge that was 7 ft tall when planted. I happen to like the 'Skip Laurel' -- very pretty green and very dense. Some of the larger Hollys would work also. I would appreciate any suggestions!!!! Thanks again.