I have read quite a lot about conifers this morning, but it has become a bit of a blur. So I am seeking help!

Here's what we currently have: North facing front yard lined to the north and east side with 70+ft tall pines of some kind. Makes the area very dark but has been good for privacy.

However, over the years the bottom 10ft have died off. We left most of the bare branches just to maintain the shield. As of this morning when our Township maintenance came through with their hedge cutting machines, that area is now very bare and taken our privacy shelter with it.

So, we're thinking of replacing them with something different.

Soil is clay but I don't know acidity. Gets very wet in Spring due to flooding from neighboring land. Winter - the snow lingers on our property for a good 2 or 3 weeks longer than everyone else due to some chilly micro-climate going on.

Wants: Privacy, height 8 to 12ft feet. Spread - since many will be roadside, 5 to 10 ft max spread. Softer greenery that can stand the township's brutal machinery. Don't mind some maintenance, like pruning every few years but don't want to be adding a lot of labor.

Thanks very much!