Question
Hi Marc,
I have a 3ft by 4ft east-facing spot surrounded on two sides by concrete stairs leading up to the front door, a driveway, and the garage. I've just ripped out a large, bushy conifer that was crammed in there, growing out over the stairs and driveway.  It's near the front entry of a two story home and I feel the space needs something tall, slender, and evergreen with a root structure that won't harm the foundation.  I've done hours of research online and gone to two local nurseries for assistance.  They suggested Pieris Japonica and Yew.  Is there nothing else that would work?  I live near Seattle in zone 7.  Thank you!  
-Mary

Answer
Here are three quick ones:

Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Boulevard'/Boulevard False cypress
Juniperus chinensis sargentii 'Viridis'/Green Sargent Juniper
Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil'/Sky Pencil Holly (It might be a bit too "prickly" for a staircase area, if folks are going to rub up against it)  

Here is a picture:
http://www.usna.usda.gov/Newintro/skypenc1.html

Or, for more suggestions, here is a discussion link:
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/smallspaces/msg0514350620930.html

Hope it helps ~M