How can I screen out the neighbors' 2-story views into my yard?
Per the title: we have a patio in the backyard which we love, but I'd like to obscure the view from the homes behind us so we can mitigate the "I'm being watched" feeling when enjoying the space.
My parents suggest a row of arborvitaes, but I don't want this feeling like a fortress. Ideally we'd create something natural-looking - a mix of trees, shrubs, and evergreens that both gives a natural barrier and the feeling that we're surrounded by life. I don't need 100% privacy - just enough to obscure a bit. I also want to protect open space for the kids - a playset is coming, and I'm sure soccer and volleyball nets aren't far behind.
Problem is, I have no idea where to start. Should I just plant a couple shade trees and start working around those? Plant something else? Hire a landscape designer? Any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciate for a landscaping novice!
Some more details: Zone 5b. Trees pictured are ~8 year old Autumn Blaze Maple and Eastern Redbud. There's roughly 2500sqft to work with, excluding the patio.