Hi there: I'm looking for some suggestions for trees that are tolerant of some shade. Here are my needs: 1. I want them for privacy. I don't want shrubs or a hedge; I want trees that will grow large and full, either deciduous or evergreen. I don't mind if leaves fall in the winter. 2. The area has morning sun, but afternoon dappled sun because of nearby mature pines. 3. I have plenty of room to plant 3 or 4. 4. I don't know if this is a plus or minus, but the neighbor's septic field is on the other side of the fence, a raised area about 15-20' from where I want to plant. There are already many pines, but since the needles don't start until 20-30' feet up, they don't provide privacy. Thanks. I'm in the Comox Valley.
While vine maples grow in shade, I wouldn't consider them large and full as the OP asked. For large and full, part shade tolerant trees, I would suggest Beech or Tupelo for deciduous, and spruce, redwood, hemlock or even cedar for coniferous.
Vine maple is quite suitable for screening and would probably be a better choice for the situation described than any of those you listed - depending on what "large" and "plenty" mean specifically in this instance. Many people think a large tree is one that is above their heads, say 15' tall. Note in particular this portion the neighbor's septic field is on the other side of the fence, a raised area about 15-20' from where I want to plant. There are already many pines, but since the needles don't start until 20-30' feet up, they don't provide privacy.
