Attaching pictures of backyard

See the trees in your second picture? See how those wide canopies above the fence block more of the sky than something tall and skinny would? The Cherry laurel and Pittosporum tenuifolium are large bushy shrubs unless you train them to a small tree form and will never be easily contained at 3 to4 feet wide.

Think small to medium size trees with clear trunks at the fence height and narrow oval to columnar forms.

Tall houses on small lots have these problems. Can you do a pergola or other type of cover over your patio? Instant privacy.

Is that a giant bird of paradise or banana next door? You must be in a nice warm climate. :) A popular tall hedge/skinny tree in my area is Podocarpus gracilior and related species. (Pretty sure that will grow faster than another giant B.o.P.)

You might just need some privacy film on your windows for a few years though...or sheer curtains. At least your neighbor's house looks nice!

It is a banana tree, a bunch of our neighbors have it.

I'll take a look at podocarpus at the nursery. From what I read, it usually grows to around 15' but maybe it does grow taller?

Thanks for the advice!

We are definitely going to get a gazebo as well next year. That will help until the trees grow too.