Thanks to fabulous input from the folks on this forum, I am finally in process of ordering my new evergreens. :- )

What I need to know now is whether and what type of protection they may need in this first winter. I don't think I'm pushing zones on anything. The site is a south-facing slope - full sun, exposed. Clay soil. Trees will be planted in sort of a row, with a little grouping here and there. Types are as follows:

Cedrus deodara 'Shalimar'

Cryptomeria japonica 'Yoshino'

Abies firma

Magnolia virginiana var. australis

And a few of either Leyland Cypresses or Thuja Green Giants as sort of temporary filler, staggered between and behind the other trees. I will purchase them locally. The Yoshinos are coming from a grower in Tennessee (should be my same climate), and the others are coming from Oregon.

Based on the info I could find on establishment time and growth rates, I decided to go with pretty small trees - about 2' tall for all types.

What do you think? I'm more concerned about the Shalimars than anything else. Our ground really never freezes here, but we certainly have freezing air temps. I will make sure to water whenever the soil feels dry. So root growth over the winter should be good, but I don't want to lose branches or anything...

Thanks!