Hello,

When designing with plants, several factors must be taken into account, such as the plant’s adaptability to the site. This would involve the plant’s cold hardiness (Oakland County is in Hardiness Zones 5b, 6a and 6b) and tolerance to the site conditions which include soil type, exposure and light levels. Attached is an article which explains how to properly assess the site conditions before investing in plant material.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/look_before_you_plant_landscape_trees In addition, I suggest that you have the soil analyzed. Get a soil testing kit at: https://shop.msu.edu/products/bulletin-e3154

Once you have established the conditions: soil type, water availability, light and exposure, you can choose the plants that would work. To provide a privacy screen, it would be a good idea to grow a mixed hedge which would include deciduous, evergreen plants and grasses. A variety of plants would ensure that the plants would be healthier than if only one species was used. If attacked by an insect or disease a hedge of one species could be all affected. Such a screen would have a less formal and more natural appearance, allowing the plants to take on their normal appearance and not requiring as much maintenance as a formal hedge would need.

You could consider several types of conifers that would serve your purpose such as yews, junipers, arborvitae, spruce, hemlock and pine. Unfortunately, few trees are issue-free. Yews and arborvitae are often fed on by deer. An insect, wooly adelgid has been found on hemlock in Michigan so you must be certain of the source of the trees. Blue spruce is a popular choice but has many problems in Michigan. See the attached: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/what_is_spruce_decline_and_what_should_you_do_about_it

You could also consider planting native plants. I’m attaching two bulletins with suggestions that would suit the planting that you desire. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/native_plants_for_michigan_landscapes_part_1_trees

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/native_plants_for_michigan_landscapes_shrubs

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/choosing_native_trees_and_shrubs_for_your_michigan_landscape

With respect to grasses you should consider are the following: https://www.a2gov.org/departments/Parks-Recreation/NAP/Native-Plants/Pages/NativeGrassesRushesSedges.aspx

https://www.canr.msu.edu/hrt/uploads/534/79846/2010-Ornamental-grasses-for-Michigan-Art-Cameron.pdf

I hope this helps you to make your choices. Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.