Question
Jim, we live in the southern portion of the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia.  About 12 white small pines were planted in front of our house to protect the road from a snow drift before we bought it.  However, now the trees are starting to block our beautiful view.  When is the best time to take the white pines out and plant new (fall or spring)?  What type of conifer would you recommend to replace them that is hardy, yet not over 15 to 20' tall? How far apart to plant these?  Thanks very much!

Answer
You can take them out at any time --the fall is best on the cutter since it is cooler. As to what to replace them with I would recommend that you call the local office of the Va. Department of Forestry (a state agency) and ask them for the species of tree to plant in your area. They can also come out and advise you on taking the trees down. Their web link to the county contacts is.

http://www.dof.virginia.gov/info/my-county.shtml