I've decided to make some changes in the backyard. I have a finished walkout basement and am removing the stairs to 2nd story deck (making it a balcony). I feel the stairs take up to much space and have not been used in 10 years. I have decided to plant 2 fruit trees. One is a 4-1 apple tree and the other is a fruit cocktail tree. We are going to keep them under 10 feet tall ans under 12 feet in diameter. I am not opposed to completely redoing the backyard configuration so the area that is already edged and planted can be torn up. The geound is pretty flat from the back of the house to the middle of the backyard and the drops off pretty quick. I'd day there is a 3 foot drop from. The middle to the back fence. I'd like to either build a deck or put stone down so I can get some patio furniture. Does anyone have any suggestions?