Two plantings here have impressed me. One hedge of english laurel, that never seems to be damaged by drying winter winds. Perhaps being close to the house and back in the forest explains that. And a neighborhood condo development has a line of hollies, none of which have thorny leaves. These trees line a constantly travelled city road. Some have berries. Check out the vast array of conifers that are shaped like candle flames besides lelandi. I like the one called 'Boulevard'. A natural looking hedge would be a mix. Even some evergreen magnolias.