The previous owners of this house did not plan the backyard well. I have removed a bunch of junipers that had created privacy as well, but were overgrown, and way too wide. Had the existing azaleas been planted where the junipers were, there woldn't be a problem. The azaleas really should/could be moved further back, but that may not be possible b/c of the root systems of the established trees. so I may just have to take them out, unless I can raise the bed of that area, which I may have to do anyways. I could try small azaleas back there... but would also like suggestions besides azaleas.

Thanks in advance,
sandy

You can do a search both of this forum and on Google for narrow, columnar, or fastigiate shrubs to get suggestions for plants that grow in the shape you want. Likewise, search for evergreen hedge plants.

I can't suggest specific shrubs for you since my zone is so different from yours, but in addition to shrubs, consider vines grown on some kind of a trellis or lattice or even large gauge wire fencing fastened to the split rail fence. Around here clematis or some of the non-invasive honeysuckles can grow quite thickly even though they are deciduous, and the trellis itself can provide some screening. Climbing roses (not really a vine, but can be trained to a trellis or your fence) might also suit your purposes, though when the leaves are gone they are not good screens, so you'd need to plan the trellis to provide the screening or use it in conjunction with evergreen plants. Clumping bamboos (not running bamboos) and tall grasses can also provide screening in a relatively narrow format, though the grass would need to be cut to the ground in early spring and leave you without screening for a few weeks while it regrew.

I've got one in full sun. It's grown the fastest. The one in morning sun flowers best.