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Vivian Rase I believe that schumard oaks grow quickly, but I don't know anything about the area you are in. We also had some type of evergreens as a buffer and those things grew like wildfire.

Sweet Caroline Garden Design Don't know what your budget as a renter is or if you'll be compensated for landscaping but here's a doodle of what I think would look good. Im assuming you want privacy by the deck. If not, and you want it from the street then you'll need to plant a privacy shield closer to the area . In my sketch I've shortened the existing shrubs near the foundation and added a handrail to the stairs. If budget permits another tree on the left side of the house would look good. Nothing large - a medium blooming tree would be good. I didn't see a garage ( great ! don't like seeing them ) so I made a path from the entrance to the side deck, thinking that it may be the most popular destination.

backbonemountain A flag, some hanging flowering pots around the deck on iron poles. Large shrubs on both sides of the front steps (which, by the way, lead to nowhere). And some bright chairs and/or cushions.

Design By Pisces I also like the above drawing and make sure any improvements you make to the exterior you get back from the landlord .

Sweet Caroline Garden Design If its privacy you want closer to the road then something like my sketch below would look good.

ASVInteriors If you are renting - you don't want to invest too much money and you want a rapid return for your investment. You can plant a load of natural meadow seed in your garden (there are different seed packet varieties). Most are indigenous to your area and will have different flowering times so you are get a constant stream of flowering through the summer to fall. You also attract wildlife. Mow islands or paths for visual interest. Perhaps two or three crepe myrtles if they grow in your area, can be planted in the center of these islands to add some verticality

cmrice1 These look great! Love the sketch from Sweet Caroline Garden design and the various tree, grasses and plant suggestions...all of this has helped me a great deal.

ASV Interiors: Can I just throw the seeds onto the grass or should I aerate and then put each seed into the holes?

Any thoughts on putting a canopy over the deck and painting it white? Like it, yes no? Also any thoughts on a material I could use to put up along the railing of the deck so my kittens can go on the deck and not escape...

Thanks again for all of your help!

ASVInteriors Hi there cmrice
You can just throw them on the ground (broadcast) and then you can cover them with some soil and straw to let them germinate.

I have used old army camoflage on 4 poles embedded into the ground as a canopy - it works beautifully as it allows a dappled light over the area without blocking out all the light completely (it isn't rainproof though!)

apple_pie_order A few rows of sunflowers near the road or adjacent to the deck will provide some privacy. Sow from seed packets by poking seeds into shallow holes in a row of dirt you've turned over with a shovel. Follow spacing instructions on seed packet. Birds will eat some.

Jayme Hobbs U could also use some privacy screens on your deck...

lalenadp Love the privacy screen idea!

cmrice1 So good! Definitely love the privacy screens...could even be fun a little further out to break up the space and add another focal point to the yard aside from a tree etc. And I'll look into the canopy, coming into spring and summer..Will have time to adjust for the rain later or put something else up for rainy days...