Lassig - wow, what a journey. I'm glad for you it's finally over. My best to you on creating and keeping a seal.

I love your coniferous choices. While slower growing than White Pines, they form a denser, more effective wind break. Also, both cultivars you mention, the Colorado and Norway, are beautiful.

River birches will grow large no idea on their appetite for water.

Many Maple cultivars that provide brilliant fall foliage exist. Check with a nursery but I'd stick with Sugar or Red maples. Fall Fiesta is a hardy Sugar; Autumn Spire and Autumn Flame are good choices for Reds and are more tolerant of drought conditions.

Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. ~ Henry David Thoreau

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