Here's my reasoning about runoff: If the sport court is in the SE, then I'm assuming the fruit trees and veggie area will be in the S or SW -- you'll want them in a flattish area, not on a slope. So unless you're putting apples or veggies in the front yard (the only other flat area), the default would seem to be the back of the backyard. Well -- okay, the E side yard is flattish too, but veggie gardens are generally regarded as not so picturesque, and usually get tucked off somewhere out of sight: i.e. the back forty (not mine, but I'm weird). Trees probably wouldn't mind the runoff as long as there's not too much of it: the slope would ensure that they didn't get "wet feet" from poor drainage (the Previous Owners planted one of my Galas in a low spot, and it's a pygmy compared to its siblings). But if you're putting your veggie garden there, you might want to think about raised beds to keep the veggies from being washed away. Now, keep in mind that some veggies (lettuce, for instance) aren't too fond of total sun, and neither are blueberries (from the little I know about them). So you might want to consider having separate areas for the sun-loving edibles and the sun-shy ones. Then again, you're in zone 4, with a short growing season and a lower angle of sun, so maybe you don't have to give the lettuce some shade; I've no idea. Anyway, I'd put the veggies on your side of the back utility easement, because they'll get plenty of sun there (nothing tall going into that easement, so no fear of shade from the south). Run the rows perpendicular to the slope (N-S). On the edge of the easement, you might not have to worry about the possible runoff.

This is an extremely common problem in new developments and landscapes. Even if the soil has been saved and placed back you've lost all of the "layering" of the soil that once had insect holes, pore spaces, and microbes working over it. In some landscape situations the soil will eventually "mellow out" and water will flow through it more rapidly. Expect the "ditch" to expand and contract as the soil settles into place. It could end up being a problem or it might not. Time will tell. Two to three years and you will know for sure. Every heavy rainfall mowing will be a pain even after the pore space issue is resolved. If you were able to pinpoint the low spot where the water collected you could put in a catch basin and tile with pop-up connector (but you could only take it to the edge of your property unless given permission). Best course of action would be for a rain garden but I doubt the development will allow you to do so if your neighbors do not have one. In my experience french drains work for a while.....but in time sediment fills them or in very heavy rain events they can even fill with water (depending on size of french drain). We see "grading experts" making mistakes all the time. They (not all inclusive but quite a few) tend to look at the start elevation and the finish elevation and if there is a drop that's good enough without taking into account every single property and the ups and downs that may be on them. Would be a great area to plant wet-soil tolerant ornamental grasses and perennials (or shrubs) with a rock going through the bottom of the ditch with landscape fabric underneath it. Could have stepping stones or boulders going across it for the kids! Bruce

I agree with NHBabs comments. I am a landscape designer who recently sold her house. There isn't enough time to create a new landscape and it may not be what the new owner wants anyway. Yes, the house seems huge for the lot but many people don't care about that. I am envisioning the huge houses on small lots that I have seen in my area. What I see when I look at the photo is a dreary no color patio and landscape and an unkempt lawn. Everything is the same tone. I would spend some money on having new turf laid down in this area so the grass looks really good. Large square pavers would fit the space better, I think. A couple of very large pots with great colorful flowers near the walls, at the beginning of the walk area. Repeat at the end. Color in a new rug and pillows. More very large pots with flowers or large plants around the yard as needed to make it lively and fresh. Also pots with flowers on the patio. If your lawn in not in good shape I would put down new turf (instant gratification), or have a professional grass service green it up with an application of ??? iron ( they should know what might work in your area). If you could hang some gauzy curtains at the corners of the pergola it up it would help to soften all the hard edges and the hard fence. The flower and plant colors should coordinate with the colors of the fabrics. I suggest you have a landscaping firm or interior plant firm do the pots and a designer who stages houses handle the patio area. Good luck.

If I understand your question correctly, you can simply enlarge the patio with more concrete (check out staining concrete). Then add your pergola, shade structure, kitchen area, fireplace & hot tub.