Escallonia? That's a good evergreen with pretty flowers, too, as a bonus.

laurus eibengii.. but does grow large

grisellinia is my favorite wind break....evergreen and laughs at the wind...

You'd need to be careful if the winters are particularly cold in your area, though - Griselinia isn't reliably hardy - wouldn't you agree, Sandra?

fair point Spritz..didnt check the location.....

thanks. it is at least 5 deg colder here than 5 miles away in the valleys so will go with the hardier ones. shame I cant use fencing but it will just blow down.

we are on the coast and so have learnt to value our windbreaks....pampas grass phormium and willow deal with the wind well..but u would have to check hardiness..