Before using Photinia fraseri, check to see that it does not suffer from fungal disease problems there. I'm still laboring--some--under the belief that clipped photinia suffers much more from this condition, while the tree form Photinia (where the top is allowed to grow uncut) is able to flourish. Miscanthus giganteus seems like it could be interesting, but also seems like it has the potential to overwhelm, if not watched. Many deciduous shrubs could be grown as trees. If pollarded annually, they would form dense branch clusters, so would screen during the winter. I would consider those as a possibility, too.

I'm sorry it seems that I didn't make myself clear. This deck is covered on top by the addition to our house but at least half is sunny due to afternoon sun coming in sideways.

If speed is of the essence I would consider installing a chain trellis (my latest name for it) which is like a privacy fence, but is not a fence. It requires the installation of 10' posts every 8' or so. (2 1/2' buried in the ground.) For a 100' run that would be 13 posts. (If you've ever installed one post in concrete, you know how easy of a job it is.) Finials or decorative cuts of some sort at the top of the posts -- and painting -- make them look attractive. A pair of stout hooks are installed at the top of each post from which sturdy (like porch swing) chain is run connecting post to post, in swag fashion. From the chain, twine is dropped at 1' intervals and attached to short wood stakes driven into the ground. All of this is a support for vines to grow on. A solid screen can be achieved in 6 to eight weeks with annual vines such as morning glory or moonflower. Simultaneously, perennial vines (which start and grow slower) are installed. Within a reasonable period, they "take off" and provide permanent cover. In some cases it is an advantage to have vines over a hedge if a tidy appearance is desired; the vines only grow where support is provided and tend to look as if a clipped hedge. It could be a disadvantage if height greater than 7' is wanted since the support will never become taller than it was originally. One feature of this structure that I enjoy is that during a windy period, continuous waves form in the foliage and add a mesmerizing element of movement. In the picture, you are looking at first year annual vines (moonflower) ... picture taken about 8 weeks after planting seed. If none of that works for you, consider a hedge of tea olive (for great smell) or Camellia (for great looks). (Verify that they will grow well where you are.) Either one could be clipped. They may not be the FASTEST growing shrubs, but I would consider them fast enough. As well I would counsel to develop some patience about it. The need for speed frequently means sacrificing quality over the long term.

Sorry, somehow missed your last post. I have a really difficult time identifying oak trees, so I can't tell you if those are laurels. Regarding their care: I've read/heard that native trees don't need any care, which is probably true, but they'll look better if you do take care. My trees and plants look far better now than when I moved in, just because I've cleaned out the invasives, pulled out the suffocating vines, trimmed the trees and provide a bit of fertilizer every spring. There may be a tutorial online about tree trimming. I took a class at Mounts one year. This is what I remember and what I do: trim off broken limbs (at the joint - sawing under the branch a bit first so it doesn't split off when it's nearly cut through); trim off branches that come off the main leader that when they get larger, look as if they would split off easily in a heavy storm. I also trim branches that hit me in the head when I walk underneath (so mowing and cleaning out weeds and emerging invasives is easier). Every spring I throw around a bit of all purpose fertilizer (local gardening center has a formulation developed for Florida landscapes). I just read an article about trees failing during hurricanes. It mentioned laurel oaks, but also mentioned that the laurels that fell during one of the hurricanes the article noted were mostly the older ones (40 years - which isn't much less than the expected life span of that tree). So I guess I'll plant some little trees around that in 30 -40 years will replace the laurel oaks when they fall!