Great looking house in a fantastic site! I love our October Glory. This was planted as a 6' tree about 4 years ago. This is a late afternoon picture. It is a clean tree as is our Autumn Blaze in the back (it is growing faster, different drainage). I have tried a couple of sugar maples, but have been disappointed, maybe I don't have the patience - they might just grow slower. They are all good for attracting Robins for nesting. Redbud are nice because of the early season color. You have choices on those (depending on what your garden center has), either multi-branch or single trunk. That is a personal choice on your part. You would want to place those where they can be easily viewed from inside, dining area? Most of the trees on the north and west are deciduous and will drop their leaves. Will that make a lot of work for you back there? Personally, I like a spruce or two, they would be good for wind blocks. However, you might not need that with the woods there. If you are new to that house, you might not know what happens in the winters (that changes a lot recently). I think that your ideas are good, what about some perennials in front? I didn't see much away from the house, just those immediately in front. Or, are you just considering trees at this time? You might consider some shrubs to help the overall look. The shrubs might be hedge-like or not. Tall 7'+ or something under 4'. Ask at your local garden center about discounts. If you purchase one or two, they won't make a deal. But if you are talking about 10 at a time, then you might get a small discount (or free delivery).

I see absolutely no reason to remove the wall. It may not have a specific purpose but it does provide a point of interest (even a focal point) and adds some character. I would consider removing some of the foundation shrubs. They are planted too closely (requiring frequent pruning to keep in size) and they look a bit regimented and soldier-like, marching across the front of the house. There is no reason for the two sides to match. That is a more appropriate approach if the house was symmetrical but it's not and attempting to have symmetrical plantings on either side will throw off the balance and make it look forced rather than natural. You do need color and in front of the wall is ideal space. You could plant with annuals or any suitably sized perennials. I'm not sure how low they have to be, as you have some room for height there.....just keep whatever you pick lower than the wall.

I'm guessing your backyard is perhaps 50' wide. It looks to be at least 70' deep. I recommend you make a plan using graph paper (aka quadrille paper) you can print out HERE. Measure and write down the length and width of sidewalks, circlular patio length and width from your house. Measure how far you have set the playset from the fence and from the sidewalk. Measure how far the trunks of trees and bushes you want to keep are from the corners of your yard. Then draw the outlines of these on the graph paper. You don't have to be totally accurate, but this will make your plans more acccurate. Below is what I did from viewing your photos. I think you should have as much lawn as possible, but the blue areas above are where I think you will have the greatest trouble growing grass. This is because people tend to take the shortest path between two points. I have assumed your back door lines up with the long walkway. You should put down a mulch below the playset to help keep your kids clean. However, to stop people from taking a short cut you need to put up a barrier (low hedge or other plants that can't be walked over/through) and/or add paving to where they are most likely to walk. I can see the remnants of brick paving at the edge of the patio in photo #4. You should replace/repair this walkway and fill in the corner with low growing shrubs or perennials. Since it can take several years for plants to fill in use annuals to fill any bare spots. As to screening the playspace...most parents want to see their kids in case something goes wrong. When planting fruit trees (or any other tree or shrub) pay attention to the expected mature spread. If a mature tree is expected to be 15' wide it should be planted 8' from a fence, walkway, building, etc. A group of fruit trees should allow enough space between trees for optimum health, so two trees each expected to be 15' wide when mature should be planted 15' apart.

Bergen Furniture - thank you for you advice, can you clarify? Do you mean move the mirror and lamps out of the room and use the 4 other pictures? Also, I should let folks know that I was going to make all 4 pictures white matted prints similar to the small clock tower print - I have that in 3 other styles so they coordinate). I'll move some things around and upload more pictures. Thank you!!