We live in the Atlanta subs and slowly trying to make our backyard to something the kids can enjoy- on a budget... we started by taking down dead Leyland cypress which were replaced last fall.

We are on a slope -yard faces south. We have no idea what to do with the space-

retaining wall vs. bobcat to level out bit and putting down sod

what would you do? Taking into consideration that it would have to be done as smaller projects vs one big one.

Will a retaining wall with maybe a firepit/seating add value to the house? Or be a selling point?

The picture is from 3rd floor- green giants are about 5-7 feet now.