You say the neighbor's house looks right into the back yard, but photos don't show this. Let's see it. You might want to show several slightly overlapping photos that pan the scene (all taken from same point of view) and show the full scope of area in question. Is you goal just screen, or more?

Definitely interested in more of a privacy screen. we'll landscape flowers/shrubs later on. just need good suggestions for what to do with the area in between the maple trees. there is an area of about 20 feet between the Maples and fence. Thanks.

Thanks for your question! If you are trying to create screening above the fence and under the filtered shade of the Maples please consider a mixed shrub border. You could plant masses of Viburnum, Hydrangea and even Rhododendron (assuming your soil is acidic and well drained). Mass several of the same variety in staggered clumps of 3-5 plants. Taller in the back of course. You could face the planting bed in shade tolerant perennials like Hosta and Coral Bells. Check with a local nursery to see what varieties work best in your local environment. This could create privacy, color and interest while leaving a big lawn for the kids to play in!

Happy planting!

that is awesome and ties into the Hosta garden id like to create. thanks for the suggestions

Happy to help. Post a photo when you have it planted please.

That' s the close to final project. Cryptomeria Radicans, and Leyland Cypress. Should make a nice privacy screen. i chose leyland because, i had two alreaddy, and, i like the look. plus i can trim as needed while theyre young. and the cryptomeria is doing really nicely.

Ive started a hosta bed around a rock. and will divide them later. but for now, im happy with the look. i started a rock ring around the mulched area. again, be kind little time and 0 budget.

You're doing fine. But bear in mind that trees, particularly maples, have tons of shallow roots spreading out many, many feet around the tree. One of the surest ways to cause a tree to languish is to mulch too closely around the trunk--it harbors pathogens and is not good for the trunk. If you want to "mulch" around the tree, make the ring at least as round as the canopy of the tree spreads, if not a foot or two larger. If it were me, I'd create an island of mulch out there with my bucks so I wouldn't have to try and mow around a lot little things. Mulch only an inch or two around the trees, you can go heavier further out. Then add plants every year as time and budget allows. No landscape cloth, because dirt will pile up over it, weeds will come back, and they will spread their little roots down into the cloth and be a real pain to pull out. Just keep mulching every year on top of the base you have laid down.

most of what you see is dirt. i planted rootball leaving 1-2 inches exposed, as clay soil doesnt drain well. the maple on right is dead/dying, dang shame too as its a red maple...my favorite.. the oak tree could withstand a hurricane. i always mulch around and dig mulch away from trunk. thanks for suggestions!

Oh, clay soil. You have my deepest sympathies!

ha!