Hi thanks everyone for the comments. No I dont see the need for the stairs either. I love the idea of an enclosed deck since I have a toddler. The design with the stairs was just recommended by our deck guy in one his quotes. Thanks kiko for the links, it does give me a better idea. @arcy_gw...yes I do like the idea of an enclosed deck with entry from inside only. @4Heideisgn...I agree the stairs takes up too much space if I go with a patio and then the usable space is used up by the stairs and the AC unit if I cant get it moved. But if I can get it moved then I get more space since I can go all the way upto the property line with a fence and/or patio. So the options I am considering are: 1) Enclosed deck with no stairs 2) Fence with enclosed patio with stairs coming down from the doors. I will get back to you guys on this, once the HOA approval or non-approval comes through, thanks, Cooks.

Cherry Laurels love shade and grow fast once established (evergreen shrubs to small trees) but are poisonous to dogs. I planted a row of them on my north side to block out a purple house on the hill, and will just take my chances that I don't get a stupid dog when I get another dog :) Camellias also love shade and they flower in the fall and winter. They are shrubs but really they are small trees, they do grow slow however. Tulip poplar would grow very quickly to reach for the light, and the leaves would get rather large in the shade. That tree gets big though! Also, a thought: drive around and look for houses in similar conditions... What is growing in those situations?! I “cheat" all the time this way with landscaping. Also, maybe you could befriend the new owner and convince them to grow cross vine or Virginia creeper on the side of their house? Think understory trees too, several people have mentioned some great ones (especially hornbeam/ironwood/musclewood, dogwood, and redbud). I would add serviceberry and beech to that list (although beech eventually gets large. It keeps its leaves in the winter).

Nice space. In a similar pickle. Some suggestions. Declutter. Remove the swing. Update. Close in the ceiling and integrate lighting, fan, etc. Clean. Stain your deck.

I would replace the stairs with a landing and stairs. Cut a terrace or two into the slope with a curving path to the stairs. Add shrubs, hosta, ground cover and other shade tolerant plants.