(we have a large dog and the big maples planted in the middle of the yard already reduce area)

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i dont understand this part at all ... at most that tree is 18 inches wide ... how does it take up space over what look like an acre???

imo.. give up more space.. and plant a couple redbuds in the lawn ... they are near bulletproof .. if you get the plain old green ones.. can deal with shade on some level.. and will be much smaller than the maple.. plus spring flowers ...

and.. they will grow much faster than anything you can plant at the property line.. and accomplish your goal much faster ... the close to the house they are.. the faster your goal is accomplished ...

the second to last pic.. from the upper deck beautifully shows what i mean ... one tree covers everything ... go figure ...

of course it dosnt help its all downhill from an elevated house ...

ken

I think ken's idea about the redbud trees is a great one! If you have friends that have some you might even get some free volunteers from their yard.

An additional idea might be Thuga Occidentalis

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