The site is a sloping bank. At the back it's dry then it's getting wetter and wetter towards the front. In the middle it is constantly wet, not draining away.
These articles should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/water-plants/wgen/water-tolerant-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/shade/shade-plants-for-wet-sites.htm
I notice they include iris. Not all irises can tolerate water. Here are some that do:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/iris/water-iris-plant-care.htm
For gardens that have bad winters.
For reblooming or long blooming perennials, I have had good luck with purple coneflower, butterfly weed (asclepias), butterfly bush (Buddleia), coreopsis, Knock Out roses, Hydrangeas, Gaillardia, and garden phlox.
Here are more ideas:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/fgen/flowers-that-bloom-again.htm
I live in Virginia City, NV the ground is hard and dry. I want to know what I can plant for quick privacy. I’m in zone 7b.
These articles should help with the privacy trees:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-7/zone-7-evergreen-trees-2.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-7/zone-7-evergreen-shrubs.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-7/growing-hedges-in-zone-7.htm
Part of the top of our little tree is scraggly because ONE deer came in and chewed on it....should I leave it look that way or trim him down into a little tree to start over..
You can leave it. It may grow new stems and if it doesn't, as the lower and higher stems grow larger they should cover the bare spot. You should never remove the main stem. Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/pine/pine-tree-pruning.htm
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/pruning-evergreens/
the single. small(3/4' to 2"diameter)trunk is covered with thorns. So thick you cannot touch or grasp it. To remove them I have been cutting them at the base with big pruners and throwing them further into the woods. Now I worry that small animals might step on them injuring them selves. If I took a picture, could you identify them? I do not live with my daughter but go there several times a week. I'm trying to help her with her home.
It could be an Allegheny blackberry or a devil's walking stick (Aralia spinosa). You can run it past your local university extension director who would be more familiar with native trees in your area. Here is how to reach him/her.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/what-is-extension-service.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/aralia-plants/aralia-plant-information.htm
Your tips call for keeping the same side facing North as it was grown.
Since there is less sun on the north side, look at your sapling for a side with fewer leaves or more space on the stem between leaves.
I have some bushes need cutting back the branches on one are dry enough to snap I’ll send a photo what I need is how should I cut them back I’ve taken some off but I’m a little apprehensive about cutting more away
This depends very heavily on the species of shrub that is in question. Many shrubs and trees have very difference pruning schedules. Typically, sometime in late winter is appropriate for most species. This is not guarantee, though. Many species can be pruned at just about any time without harm.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/pruning-basics.htm