broad-leaf evergreens for birds in winter

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dtillyer Montgomery, NY Sep 20, 2015

Hi folks.
I'm hoping to introduce a stand of about 6-8 broad-leaf evergreens at the back of a public park along the Hudson River in New York City. I'm trying to figure out what will be hardy enough to withstand the wind off the river when the air temp is -5 or -10. That same position can get up to the high 90s and worse six months later!

My objective is to make some protection for birds who overwinter here. I also want the trees to slow down that bitter wind for the hundreds of strollers and dog walkers who make use of the park in all kinds of weather.

Does anyone have a good idea for the kind of broad-leaf evergreens that will do the trick.
David in New York City

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Resin Northumberland, United Kingdom(Zone 9a) Sep 20, 2015

Ilex opaca?

Resin

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ViburnumValley Scott County, KY(Zone 5b) Sep 20, 2015

Providing a windbreak and winter cover for birds doesn't require a broadleaf evergreen. In fact, to perform the services you list, you would do far better with a conifer instead.

One of the many Thuja plicata choices would do this job very well, and they are available everywhere in size. Finding a decent size Ilex opaca - much less 6 or 8 of them in NY - will likely need a Rockefeller or Vanderbilt to pull off.

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Loretta_NJ (Zone 6b) Sep 23, 2015

Give Wave Hill a call in the Bronx. They are a botanical garden on the Hudson and they can tell you what has done well for them. Winter burn is going to be your main problem. The summer heat shouldn't be unless there is no water during a drought. Maybe Schip Laurel?

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