you wrote: G'day, I'm in the process of screening out new neighbours. I'd like to collect some ideas for a fast growing,evergreen shrub or tree, thats not going to grow into a monster. maybe to 4-5 metres. Any ideas appreciated. John Good Heavens, John, they must be a rotten bunch...only 4-5*meters* you say? Privet and Cedar are standards for your purpose here; down there why don't you try thorny mimosa? prickly pear? quince? pyracantha? Lucinda