Question
I live in Wasilla, Alaska.  I would like to plant a privacy hedge b/w my property and the neighbor's.  There is a significant amount of wind year round and minimal sunlight in the winter.  I would prefer a tree with a maximum height of 10 ft, retains it's leaves/needles year round and is low maintenance.
Could you please offer me some suggestions as to what type of tree grows best given the afore mentioned situation?  I have read that a conifer might fit the bill, but do not know any of the specifics pertaining to them.
Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Stephanie


Answer
The AK Urban Forestry folks recommend the following evergreen scrubs:

Common juniper - Juniperus communis
Creeping juniper - Juniperus horizontalis
Dwarf Norway spruce - Picea abies 慛idiformis?br> Dwarf Colorado spruce - Picea pungens 慚ontgomery? 慓lauca Globosa?br> Mugo pine - Pinus mugo var. mugo, var. pumilio
Rhododendron - Rhododendron Catawbiense, and 慞JM?hybrids
American arborvitae - Thuja occidentalis
Japanese yew - Taxus cuspidata

I would recommend that you contact the AK Urban foresters in Anchorage and ask for their help. I also think Wasilla city may have some information, Here is the AK Forestry contacts

http://forestry.alaska.gov/community/index.htm#CONTACT

Patricia Joyner, Program Coordinator
Alaska Division of Forestry
Community Forestry Program
550 W. Seventh Avenue, Suite 1450
Anchorage, AK 99501-3566
Phone: (907) 269-8465
Fax: (907) 269-8902
Email

Stephen Nickel, Community Assistance Forester
Alaska Division of Forestry
Community Forestry Program
550 W. Seventh Avenue, Suite 1450
Anchorage, AK 99501-3566
Phone: (907) 269-8466
Fax: (907) 269-8902
Email