Large evergreen trees like southern magnolia will give you some shade in the yard and privacy upstairs when mature, but you may want to consider some understory plantings for privacy through the fence if you use them.

consider Little Gem Magnolia & Needlepoint Holly:

Thank you. Great ideas!

I love the idea of needlepoint hollies. I found some beautiful Chinese Needlepoint at our local Lowes. I have a few follow-up questions:

1- We have a dog and i've seen hollies on the list of toxic plants for dogs, but so are many other plants. Are hollies truly a concern? If so, is there another tree you'd recommend to plant in-between 2 little gem magnolia?

2- As for the side of the fence, facing the road, should we plant the same trees as we do across the back fence? Or something different?

Thanks so much for any suggestions!

I have not had any problems with Needlepoint holly & dogs.