Thanks Yardvaark! That looks great. I could easily do some crape myrtles for the center. Couple of things: - I can't do that large of a bed on the right. There is a slight ditch in my backyard for water to run through, and that bed would be right in the way and my mulch would be carried away each storm. I could do two trees in one bed, then another small bed for another tree and break it up with some grass in between. - Would it look tacky to have 2 dogwoods in the center with 2-3 crape myrtles for the small flowering trees? Trying to reuse some of my existing plants, but don't have to. - Any examples of tall, skinny trees for the corners? I don't know of any trees that could fit in those areas besides some evergreens (emerald arb, spartan juniper). And I think pine trees would get too large for those areas. I agree with the ground cover, and that was in my plans once I found a design I liked for privacy. Thanks again for the help!

Looks like you have a fairly limited amount of yard space. In order to gain privacy, need to extend screening above fence with small tree forms made of large shrubs. Tree form so the plants do not overwhelm the yard space by occupying it completely. Underplant below with low groundcover and something for color interest. The space is so small, I'd get rid of grass and have groundcover below only.

Unless I am missing something, I don't see any specific trees mentioned :-) But live oak, southern magnolia and southern red cedar are all native evergreens that you could consider. Other, nonnative species are available as well.....just check with your local nursery. Native trees for north Florida

"They [low priced nursery/garden center landscape designers] are used primarily as a marketing tool to sell plants, often very common or less desirable plants, and what you receive design-wise may be very substandard." My sentiments exactly. One would likely get the typical "builder's plan" ... the kind of problem prone landscape that everyone can't wait to redo as soon as possible. The forum is good for giving ideas about general direction to take, or spot problem solving ... but it does not produce PLANS, which are essential for a quality landscape product. One has the option of drawing their own plans if they are DIY oriented and feel competent about it. (They can get advice from the forum on the mechanics of doing it. ) If not, as in every other project, they must hire a professional. But landscaping without plan at all will probably result in something less desirable than a 'builder's plan.' The approach one takes for a back yard depends largely on one's goals and objectives. Some people want total privacy, as in a private paradise ... they don't want to see any part of neighbor's houses. Other people want a more open solution and prefer not to block much view between neighbors' yards. Still others want to block sight lines between theirs and neighbors' outdoor living spaces while keeping a feel of openness at other places. One needs to decide on their goals in order for a plan to shape up that would meet them. In nearly every discussion of creating a privacy border of some type comes the advice to avoid a uniform hedge. I would take this with a grain of salt because often, especially when space is at a premium, it may be the uniform hedge that best fills the bill. Many people here are plant loving "gardeners" and can't conceive of a planting that is not crammed with as much variety as possible. A potential downside to that is more labor in upkeep, more space consumption, and a busier look. If that fills the bill, no problem. But there are advantages to uniformity in potential space conservation, a cleaner look and simpler maintenance. Landscaping is not 'one size fit all.' Develop your goals and set about to see how they can be realized.