Question
I have a small backyard in the New York, Long Island  which gets intense sun for the majority of the day.  Ultimately looking for privacy and/or shade (depending on which side), last year I planted red maples in each corner and tall shrubs for deck privacy.  The maples have grown considerably in one year, but of course are transparent in the winter.  I also planted a southern magnolia against my fence midsummer last year hoping for the benefits of an evergreen, but haven't noticed any growth at all.
Am I wasting my time waiting for this to grow & should I give up & go with another maple?
Thanks in advance for your help.  

Answer
Magnolias are slower growing than other trees if you want a quick hedge that grows to about 20 feet tall and 5 feet wide I would suggest Thuja (standishii x plicata) 'Green Giant' Plant about 5 feet apart and you can have a good privacy fence and tall enough for some shade.