I would avoid planting anything at this point. As sure as you do, a potential buyer will not like what you've selected. That you are being told "lack of privacy is the problem" may not be the problem at all. People seem to frequently look for ways to avoid telling the truth. They might not like the house for some other reason, but latch on to any easy and obvious excuse. Everyone would know that they could plant any privacy screen they wished so, as Woody says, it would not be a deal-breaker. Why not invite someone knowledgeable about real estate, who will be honest, to visit the house and get their unvarnished feedback? Landscaping is what a person should employ early on--right after they buy a house--to get the biggest, exponential bang for their buck. With the exception of adding a few annuals, it's not cost effective at the end of home ownership. This post was edited by Yardvaark on Sat, May 18, 13 at 19:45

There are some really skinny junipers that you might consider, like 'Sky rocket'. The evergreen habit might be a plus and the foliage is very beautiful blue/green. 'DeGroot's Spire' Arborvitae might be another one to research. The thread below might give you some ideas too. Here is a link that might be useful: You might get some ideas on this thread

Mind if I'm honest? Since this is along a driveway, and measures only 40' long, I'm assuming it is in the front yard, which is a pretty public place anyway. If you're only going to be there a few years, why not just put up with the lack of "privacy" in what isn't really a very private location anyway? Sorry to seem inquisitive or argumentative ... maybe there are factors you didn't mention.

Thanks for the input. We live on a slope and the house right above us just built a deck. Our house has a deck on the same level, but because we're lower, we look directly into the space below the deck which isn't very pleasant to look at. Plus, the neighbors decided to put their hot tub on the side of the deck that is closest to our house so they're there all the time. I have to make sure they're not using it before I step out of the shower because they have an almost direct view into our bedroom. We can hear everything they say when they're on their deck, and I'm sure they can hear us too. There is absolutely no privacy whatsoever and I feel like I can't enjoy our view and enjoy our deck if they're out on their deck as well. Luckily, we get along. But sometimes I like to sit in my hammock and not have to involve myself in any chit chat. I don't mind planting something that will grow 60 feet because it won't impede anyone's view. And there is around 20-25 feet all the way around for it to grow. I can water it the first year until it's established. I just don't want to prune it, or water it after that. I can water it occasionally, but I don't want to have to water it regularly (like a few times a week). I can extend my drip system temporarily (it'll have to cross a walkway so I don't want it there permanently). And I'm sure my neighbors will appreciate the privacy as well. A fence is out of the question because it would have to be a 15 to 20 foot fence to even reach the neighbor's deck. I will ask our local nursery what they've experienced with the "green giant" as well. To give you more info, we're in southern Oregon, a high zone 7. Thanks again!