Here was my thinking.

First I wanted shade reasonably close to the bank in a couple of places. The maples and later on (30+ years) the oaks will provide that.

Second I wanted color throughout the year. The color of the red maples and birches in the fall will be pretty. Plan on adding redbuds maybe earlier than later for spring color.

The spruces should give me winter color and block most of the corn/bean field behind them. Since the oaks and maples are spread far apart, they will not have leaves on in the winter, and the spruces are on the top of the bank I think they should be visisble for many years to come, if not forever, atleast my lifetime.

Now you got me thinking of moving a couple of them closer to the water

Last edited by lassig; 08/12/10 05:44 AM.