Hello, gardening experts! I'm very new to gardening so I've decided to seek advice from the pros. I have a few questions concerning my pathetic-looking backyard. We bought this house a couple of years ago and haven't done much to the backyard. Although every time I look at it, I can't help but think that something has to be done to it asap. Here are a few problems: 1. My major concern is spot 2, as indicated on the photo. Both houses in the back have a perfect view onto our backyard and pool. This strip of the fence is about 10m long. I need to plant something there which will give us privacy and which is fast growing, preferably evergreen. I initially thought of a cedar hedge, but the 2 cedars we planted, died. 2. Problem 2 - spot 1 on the photo. A bold spot in between two trees. Once again, it offers a view on the pool, which I'd like to close. We've planted cedars two years in a row, but they die by the end of the summer. What would grow well in this spot, given that there's little sunlight because of the two mature trees. 3. Problem 3. The previous owners decided to put up a kids' house around the pine(?) in the corner of the property. I'm sure it's at least 5 years old. My husband and I have constant arguments about removing the house, because in my opinion, the tree doesn't get enought moisture, since access to the roots is covered by the house. It looks pretty dried out. Am I right? I'm in zone 6b, the soil has clay. Thanks so much!
Problem spot 1 - it's not the lack of sunlight that's killing what you plant here, but a lack of water. The poor new cedars not only don't get enough light, but they have been put in the middle of an already contested root zone area. They don't get the water or nutrients you need as the big trees are faster and better at getting whatever you put there. Solution: get a nice big container and put a dense rhododendron or hydrangea or something else bushy and shade-loving in it. Problem spot #2 - A common mistake in questions of screening is to want to put a dense hedge right at the spot where the privacy is desired. But a nice airy tree in the middle of your yard would perform the same function without impairing the openness of your yard. Visualize the shape of tree canopy you would need and the best tree placement to block both houses. Until the tree grows in, use a patio umbrella or something similar. Spot 3 - The tree might have other problems, since it can extend its roots to get moisture elsewhere and water can probably run in under the house, though the playhouse might have an aggravating effect. However, I'd remove the house anyway, I think. Besides possibly hurting the tree, it looks like it might be a handy hiding place for all kinds of rodents, bugs, etc, and I'd personally rather have a playhouse elsewhere in the yard.
Check into a southern Magnolia. There is a smaller variety... 'Little Gem' It might work as part of the solution.