This is busy season for landscapers. They don't want to lose paying work during daylight hours to come out and give "estimates". I'd be real inclined to just call one and say, hey, I want this whole space cleared, except you don't need to cut trees unless you want to, except for (leave one tree here), is there enough stuff here that you'd take & keep in exchange for the work. This is a bit late, depending on where you are, but not too late, to cut the roses all back. Wear heavy gloves. The problem with larger trees - yes it costs a lot of money to buy one - but their roots are contained, and transplanted. The process of digging up an established tree that's "worth" something could easily kill it, making it . . . worthless. Planting lots of mulch and river stones can be a very low maintenance yard. Ivy is no maintenance, but takes a long time to establish. A wildflower garden isn't too bad, either. .. . . but some of it depends on how big the yard is. Maribeth If you're too open-minded, your brains will fall out.