I have two very large conifers (sorry I do not know what kind). One is more prickly (do not produce cones) and the other is lighter and a big wheeping (produces some kind of purplish berry).

These conifers are placed next to the road and I absolutely love them. The main reason I want to keep them is because they provide winter shelter, nesting places, and hiding places for the animals.

But, on the down side, both are dying. They used to be absolutely stunning. There are numerous vines that I have fought for years that are growing in them, but they just keep coming back. Also on the one that produces the purplish berry there is alot of brown (dead foilage). The large ice storm we had earlier this spring might have damaged them too. Not sure.

I see lots of birds flying in and out of these, so they absolutely love them, especially the purplish berry one).

I should also mention that these trees are HUGE, topping at about 25-30 feet.

The problem is that I just cannot live without some kind of conifer for refuge for the birds and wildlife. I refuse to. But, I have a feeling that these will have to come up soon.

The other problem is that I want to plant fruit bearing trees. Next to the road would a conifer look good along side say two dog woods and if so, how would you place them, the conifer in the middle or on one of the ends.

I guess overall what I am really trying to figure out is how to landscape the yard for the birds and animals.

Does anyone have a good suggestion on what kind of conifer would work well with dogwoods and LOOK GOOD amongst them.
I know that the one that produced the light purplish berries was there favorite because I think the needles were very soft.

I would want one that is somewhat fast growing (but lives a long time) and does not need to be as large as the ones that I have now.

I am in Zone 5B, IL.

I am so very sorry for all of the questions that I have asked on this board lately, but my whole garden is quite a mess this year.

Thank you all so very much.