Thanks, Everyone, for all the suggestions. Sky pencils and DeGroot's Spire I have already considered and having experience with DeGroot's Spire, it's on my
list. Sky Pencils tend to be blunt at the top and that's not the look I'm seeking. Wild fire hazards are not a concern here, so that helps narrow my field. The house
next door is a rental, which is why I want the privacy. Also, part of my side yard is visible from a side street, since my neighbor sits on a corner lot, so that needs
to be screened as well. I'm probably going to decide between the Emerald Arborvitae and the DeGroot's Spire, but all suggestions will be carefully considered. There
should be enough space between the wall and the a/c units, although my primary concern is farther back from them.
What I may do in the section near the a/c units is something similar to Greene's suggestion of the privacy fencing: trellises with moonflower vines for summer bloom
and fragrance, combined with clematises.
My sincere appreciation to all of you for your suggestions. I can always count on my friends here on ATP to help with my planting questions!
Sorry for the double answer. I didn't think I hit the "finished" tab.
