Hi Joseph, what climate do you live in? One that allows plants to live year round or is it seasonal?

Zone and front exposure needed--which direction it faces.

It’s southern Kentucky so not sure about the seasonal vs year round question?

Here is an example from google earth of how the house will be facing. Assuming top middle house in image will be mine, the main road is

to the left (when facing house) , subdivision road in the front with homes on either side all the way down.

need some trees

Need a compass direction to determine what sides of the house are shaded and which sides are not. It does not matter for trees some distance from the house but to landscape the front it is necessary information.

As far as yard tress there are many trees that grow in your area. Oaks, and similar trees, will never provide shade that you would like because it takes years for them to grow to a size that provides shade. Japanese Maples, cherries, crab apples grow a little quicker, and provide color.

When it comes to landscaping don't forget sidewalks and paths. Straight side walks to me are a negative in the landscape. Curves are better.

Will you have planters in front of the house, or in the yard. Do you want a pond or water feature. The maintenance varies, so are a personal decision.

Spend some time looking at pictures and driving around you areas and see what works and does not for you. What lawns do you like and what don't you like.

Visit the arboretums and park in the area. Look at the road sides, and woods to see what trees grow well in your area.

Some option

The most important thing is using plants that won't become too large against the house and obscure the window or doorway area. You can get suggestions at a local nursery, and save money by planting most things yourselves. It might be worthwhile to pay someone to design your entire yard - back included - and then you can plant the areas yourselves as you have the budget. It looks like you need shrubs, trees, and hardscape areas for the back and side yard also.

krnuttle has a good observation. The Google Earth picture shows shadows on the south side of the house and none on the north side. Clearly that picture is rotated.

I try to be observant, but failed miserably in this case. When pointed out the answer to my question is obvious.