Choosing Conifers
Conifer plantings don’t need to be as dense as deciduous tree plantings for the same effectiveness. Here are some acceptable conifers, depending on the situation and region you live in.
COLORADO BLUES PRUCE( PICEA PUNGENS): This western tree is widely planted for its ornamental beauty. It grows in a conical shape and is very cold-hardy. However, it’s also susceptible to pests and diseases.
DOUGLASFIR( PSEUDOTSUGA MENZIESI): This very tall tree can exceed 300 feet growing wild on the Pacific Coast. both Douglas fir and its smaller and hardier relative, the Rocky mountain
DOUGLAS FIR ( PSEUDOTSUGA MENZIESII, var. glauca), make good Christmas trees in addition to serving as suitable windbreak specimens.
EASTERN REDCEDAR( JUNIPERUS VIRGINIANA): This tree is tolerant of poor soils and a very narrow-growing conical tree, but it’s also an alternate host of cedar-apple rust, so it shouldn’t be planted near orchards.
GREN GIANT ( THUJA STANDISHI/THUJA PLICATA HYBRID): A fast-growing tree, it increases its height by 3 feet per year and is popular for hedges and windbreaks. It isn’t hardy beyond zone 5, but is a good choice for warmer climates.
RED PINE( PINUS RESINOSA): Also known as the Norway pine, red pines can exceed 100 feet at maturity and develop a high, open crown without many lower branches.
NORTHERN WHITE CEDAR( THUJA OCIDENTALIS): This narrow and conical tree is known by a variety of names, including arborvitae. It generally grows small and dense.
NORWAY SPRUCE( PICEA ABIES): A quick-growing European import, this spruce grows as much as 3 feet per year and can top 100 feet at maturity. With a shape that sheds snow and ice, the Norway spruce is well suited to enduring winter storms without damage.
WHITEPINE( PINUS STROBUS): This pine grows similar to the red pine, reaching lofty heights with an open crown, though younger specimens are more conical in shape. Delicate branches are prone to breaking when weighed down by snow or ice.
WHITES PRUCE( PICEA GLAUCA): A hardy tree growing about 60 feet tall while maintaining a very narrow form at maturity, this spruce prefers cooler temperatures than many conifers. It’s excellent for windbreaks within its preferred range.