.... E) would be my preference.  ;)

As my college physiology instructor used to say. You know that in the end it will be what looks good to you,  As Bob Ross used to say, you can place your happy little trees anywhere you want in your world.

Have fun- looking good Rich.

Espee over Donner

Rick,

If you had some photo editing software you could add trees to a photo to determine your needs and get the right feel.

Of course looking at the photo this seems to be a good spot for a large pond with just a few clumps of brush and maybe one large old gnarly tree with a rope and tire hanging over the water. With the town in the distant background it makes a good excuse for the kids choosing this spot. Add a few bicycles, some kids swimming, one doing a cannon ball and you will have a great mini scene. Who knows, maybe a Buck and Loretta's kin are swimming with the Water Moccasins?!?!

Den

Not a thick forest, you would lose the town on the backdrop. Make some if you haven't already and place them using foam to hold them. Move them around until it looks right. Allow for the understory brush too.

Jack

Thanks for the ideas and votes.  I've still got to get the boss to give her opinion (which does carry more weight!)

I chose C - but... I am thinking several groupings with some open spots so you can still see the town trough the openings.

and need fewer trees (always a good thing) if you put an open area in between two or three "bands" of trees. Make the trees get shorter as they get towards the background "bands."

Something like this (I hope this picture gets the point across)

im going with C

not too little and not too much

what looks good to you for the scene

A few good ones to draw the eye, then lesser trees to give an illusion of greater forestation.