Photo of aforementioned area

You might have a tough time with Japanese maple due to heat and water needs, but the crepe myrtle is easy to grow. Consider Mexican bird of paradise (Caesalpinia mexicana) if you want it green year round, or a Cassia.

Thanks! I'll plant the crepe myrtle first, and do more research on the corner trees

Arbutus Marina.

riru, for the crepe myrtle try to find one with a multi-trunk. So much nicer than a single trunk. Actually, it's nicer for almost any tree IMO.

You want drought tolerant too? The Madrones are great. Red barked also.

stanofh- drought tolerant is always preferred :). I’ll look up madrones

Riru,there is one near me...and its the nicest tree in the whole golf course subdivision. Red bark,big green leaves.