Just going to offer some thoughts for consideration :-) Crape myrtles are not 'large' trees - in fact, in tree terms they are considered rather small. And they lose their leaves in winter so may not be ideal for privacy screening purposes.

OTOH, the Italian cypress can grow to 40+ feet so does qualify as large, if quite skinny. To provide effective privacy, you will need plant them close together.......at about half the spacing that is shown in the inspiration photo. And effective privacy screening takes time to develop - plants seldom make an instant screen unless very large and mature to begin with. You will sometimes get more effective privacy and with a smaller sized plant if it is sited closer to the where view out is located. So consider planting something to screen closer to your bedroom window rather than all the way back in the corner of the garden :-)

I would also not site a firepit and seating area in a corner. They should be out in the open with a clear span of 10' from any existing structure or vegetation. And nothing overhead. Also many municipalities have restrictions on the type and siting of a firepit allowed so be sure to check locally first.

Before you plant anything, have a landscape plan drawn up by an independent nursery designer ( as suggested by latifolia, not a HD type store ). It will save you money in the long run & you will be much happier with the results. I’ve done this in the three homes I’ve owned ... and believe me, it’s well worth every penny spent.

I see a utility pole in just outside of the fence in the back corner where you are considering planting trees. Look up for wires and the width available. Think about how trees can move during storm winds, and be sure to allow for plenty of room. Also, call Digsafe to be sure that there aren't underground utilities in the area.

One consideration is to plant trees closer to the house so you are looking out the window into the tree. For the near future, one of the blinds that pulls up from the bottom may give you needed privacy while not requiring that blinds be fully closed in the master bedroom.

I don't know where you are located in Houston, but we sought advice on a tree for privacy from RCW nursery (near Beltway 8/SH 249 interchange). They sold us a Pindo palm almost 20 years ago. It cost about as much to have them plant it as the palm itself cost, but as I recall that enabled them to guarantee the plant. It was barely at the fence level then, and for many years as it grew taller the broad canopy was a perfect solution. Now, however, it is almost too tall to be effective, as eventually you want to trim away the lower fronds that have died. So, if you plan to be in the home for the long run, consider asking for a layered solution so as things grow you will still have coverage. ( Our neighbors have a loquat tree which has been beautiful and evergreen throughout the years -another good consideration. Both of these trees do drop fruit, however.)

Wow the first thing I would do is install a new nice looking fence inside my property, that is hideous . Your bedroom is on the 2nd floor you will have to have pretty tall trees to block that view. That fence looks quite high so blocking a view of what is your problem There is nothing you can put there that will keep people from seeing into your yard from their second storey which is probably all bedrooms .

The fence’s appearance can be improved with a solid colored stain, preferably a darker color. It will even out it’s s imperfections & help make it recede some. Once your yard is landscaped it won’t be an issue.

some ideas

Notice in Doug's sketch how the shape of the yard that is created by the beds really has a clean and pleasing line. Having a deep patio that goes out to the back wall of the house gives it a feel that is both sheltered and room-like.

http://www.houstonbamboonursery.com/

Bamboo is a great choice for screening. Knowledge of the specific type and habit is crucial when planning. Good luck.

Thanks to all for the suggestions so far (especially the one about the hideous fence! It actually was a decently pretty light brown when we moved in that has since weathered greatly). We are in the process of extending the patio - frustrating that the builder didn't do it.

We are just just trying to envision how to maximize privacy - putting in 1 "larger" tree and surrounding plants or if we'd need a few trees.

Thanks again for the thoughts and drawing!

We are in a different climate but needed to add privacy to our side yard and went to a local tree farmer. We walked around his property and picked out mature trees that his crew came out and planted. We picked evergreens, but he had other varieties as well in many heights. The price for 9’ tall trees wasn’t that much higher than buying puny little trees at a nursery that would take 15 years to get actual privacy and the tree farm delivered, planted, and is available for questions if any of them appear to be not doing well.

It does seem like you get a lot more bang for your buck with the more mature trees. A question on planting - we went to a local nursery over the weekend and they said the delivery and installation would cost the same amount as the tree. So if we bought 2 $300 trees, we'd pay $600 for the trees and $600 for the delivery, planting, etc. Does that sound reasonable? Seemed high to me but this is the first time looking into buying actual trees.

Not unreasonable, as long as they have a warranty.

Good to know. Their warranty is 90 days.

That rate is pretty standard for the industry with larger trees. However, I would have preferred a full year warranty. That is also standard for the industry, especially if they are doing the planting.

90 days is not a good warranty.