This is the situation:

http://s1105.photobucket.com/user/zagyzebra/media/Jacksproperty.jpg.html

An old tree just died out, leaving us with a gaping privacy issue. From everything I've read and heard, everyone uses either podocarpus or pittosporum for such situations. Which do you think would be better: podocarpus or pittosporum? Or maybe one podocarpus in front of the house on the left, and one pittosporum in front of the house on the right? Can we just let them grow up like trees? Without trimming? I hope they won't block the light our avocado tree gets. Originally we were thinking of planting a companion avocado tree. But privacy is more important to us than fruit. We can always buy avocados at the farmers market.

In between the trees, we'll erect posts and run horizontal wires for vines to grow on.

This is our fourth lot, and up in Laurel Canyon. It's shady with partial sun. The microclimate is a perfect blend of coastal marine and inland heat -- rarely too hot or too cold. If the lot gets more shady, that's okay with us. It's only one part of our yard, and the one farthest removed from the house.

Also, what size of plant would you start with if you wanted to achieve maximum privacy as quickly as possible?