Hello Gregory,

When designing a new area some items need to be considered: These include: the plants adaptability to the site which includes soil type, exposure to wind and rain, light levels—sun or shade, cold hardiness of plants; function and purpose—what is the reason for the plants—windbreak, privacy or aesthetic qualities and, finally, maintenance needs.

Read more about designing a landscape here:

https://archive.lib.msu.edu/DMC/extension_publications/e2941/E2941-2005.PDF

Before you decide on the type of plant, you should also be aware of your hardiness zone (Wayne County is in 5b, 6a and 6b) and the type of soil that you are planting in. 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 and evergreen plants. 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.

There are few conifers that do well under large deciduous trees. Yews and hemlocks handle some shade. Unfortunately, few trees are issue-free. Yews 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.

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

There is an excellent book: ‘Landscaping with Native Plants in Michigan’ by Lynn M. Steiner which is available in most libraries.

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