Question about planting Leyland Cypress (2-3) in a row 6 feet south of my Crepe Mrytles?

Question

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w65/cliffedwardsk/Picture070.jpg

The picture is above. As you can see I have Crepe Mrtyles not to far from the area beside the fence where I want to plant leyland cypress. I will plant them a five feet from the fence. I want to block my neighbors from seeing me on my deck .
Someone told me that if they are planted South from the Crepes that they will not really block the sun.

also anything good or bad about leyland cypress
how fast do they grow each year (especially their first year)

I PLAN TO PLANT THE SOMEWHERE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FENCE AND THE CREPES YOU SEE THE BRANCHES OF IN THE LEFT SIDE OF THAT PICTURE

Answer 1

Leyland cypress are indeed quick, but are causing problems all over the world because of neighbour disputes. They are probably too tall this is what causes the problem (blocks out the neighbours sun etc).

I wouldn't plant these if I were you unless you prune them all the time they are far too big for the position you have available. Perhaps you could look at a smaller pine that can be hedged, or a photinia or evergreen shrub hedge. (Lots of different sizes available). Watch the width, you don't want to use all your garden area up with a hedge.

To check the sun blockage to Crepe myrtles stand in the yard in the afternoon at the site of the hedge. Which way does your shadow fall, this will be the way the shade will fall when the hedge goes in. Your answer in regard to the Crepe myrtles may be to plant a hedge that gives you privacy but isn't so tall as to cast shadow over your or your neighbours garden for most of the day.

Answer 2

Why Leyland Cypress? (Cupressus Leylandii)
You will regret it forever.
There are other ways.
~ Make an arch and grow an evergreen climber over it. e.g. Clematis Almandii
~ Griselinia littoralis - has quality evergreen foliage - much nicer than Leylandii.
~ Yew (Taxus Baccata) - much nicer (than Leyland) is evergreen - & tolerates clipping into any shape (hence its use in topiary). Has berries (poisonus to cattle)