White Pine is a brittle wood, branches break easily with ice or snow buildup, and like you said, they drop a lot of needles.

Spruce or Tamarack?

The things I'd look at when picking a tree is USDA growing zone, growth speed, needle retention, adaptability to your soil type and moisture content.

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3/4 to 1 1/4 ac pond LMB, SMB, PS, BG, RES, CC, YP, Bardello BG, (RBT & Blue Tilapia - seasonal).