I can't tell for sure from your picture, but I hope you left several inches between the tree and the deck and fence for its growth.

Yes plenty of room for tree growth in between.

a fire feature like a small gas fire set up, not an large fire pit.

What a beautiful tree! Nice how the fence and deck accentuate it. It would look great with uplighting in the evening hours (NOT all night). No deck railings -- they would visually interfere with the tree, and I could see kids (and myself) sitting on the edge of your deck, swinging their legs, enjoying the shade. Keep furnishings on the deck itself minimal, and don't install any major garden features too near this particular area, again to keep the focus on your amazing tree.

Nice tree. I would do up lighting. We up light a large maple in the front yard. So pretty, without lighting up the surrounding area. We have it on a timer. Oaks usually have very strong limbs to install hanging chairs from.

Iwould probably make the deck 3x bigger and honestly use it for seating , maybe a propane fire pit IMo right now the deck is way too small. I love decks built around trees .

It’s not that large so it will be important to define how you want to use. A fire element would be better in the yard, so it’s not taking up valuable space and would still be appreciated from the deck. Water feature and solar lights will be great additions, but first figure out the basic wants and your style. (Also suggest closing in the bottom to avoid skunks, etc. getting underneath.)

What are deck dimensions? I’m wondering if it’s larger than it looks in picture based upon what size I think your cutie dog is - border collie?

I have a small backyard and plans for a food forest, so the deck will not be bigger. Its 12' x 20', I will be adding skirting soon after staining it. Yes, Luna is a border collie ;)

@Walter K 12’ x 20’ is nice sized for chairs for both lounging & sitting plus side tables. I wouldn’t hang swings etc from tree because they’d be fixed in place & limit moving chairs around. I think market lighting would highlight the tree the most over uplighting but maybe you can do both? I would also not place pots on deck - they’ll take up too much space & since you have in ground plants between deck & fence you don’t need them. I would love to see a blooming border along the front side even though you’re adding skirting. Maybe some colorful & fragrant food forest plantings too? ”Luna” - what a great name for a dog! She might use a bed placed on deck for her since she’s obviously liking the new addition to her yard!

Uplighting might highlight the tree, but I like the idea of bistro lights strung above a seating area….so soft and pretty.