A few years ago I asked for advice about planting a windbreak at our farm in PA.

I have wicked N/W winds that play havoc --especially in the winter. The other factor is a high spring water table; even though there is a slope, it is a gentle one and I have lost some deciduous shrubs (like lilacs) that are intolerant to these drainage issues. Two pinus strobus seedlings succumbed--a few too many waterlogged days. So far, after 3.5 years all the spruce varieties are doing great and are about 3 ft or more high though far from doing duty as windbreaks.

I was wondering if there are any shorter conifers that would look good fronting the windbreak--ones that would tolerate the conditions mentioned above. I really like the idea of something that will contrast with the ultimate height and shape of the spruce trees--perhaps a spreading shape. Do I have any conifer options or will I need to stick with deciduous shrubbery?