Rocky Mountain Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) is native to northwest Nebraska. It is similar in appearance to eastern redcedar. It's drought resistant, prefers slightly alkaline soils, and retains a bluish-green color throughout winter. It is best used on the north and west outside rows in windbreaks.

Rocky Mountain juniper is subject to the same insect and disease problems as eastern redcedar. Rocky Mountain juniper is more susceptible than eastern redcedar to Cercospora blight, which is very common in eastern Nebraska. Rocky Mountain juniper is not recommended for planting in the eastern half of Nebraska.

Austrian Pine (Pinus nigra) has pairs of needles 4 to 6 inches long. The needles are generally stiff, with the ends being very sharp to the touch. Originally introduced from Europe as an ornamental, it has considerable value in windbreaks and as Christmas trees. Austrian pine is best used in east or south inside rows of windbreaks.

Austrian pine is very susceptible to Sphaeropsis (Diplodia) blight and Dothistroma needle blight and moderately susceptible to Zimmerman pine moths. Sphaeropsis blight and Zimmerman pine moths can seriously deform or kill trees if not controlled. Dothistroma needle blight can cause substantial defoliation in wet years or when trees are closely spaced if not controlled. Pine tip moths are occasionally a problem.

Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana) is native to Canada and the Lake States. Needles are in pairs 1 to 2 inches long and are usually twisted. Cones are 1 to 1 1/2 inches long and persistent for many years. It is drought resistant and can be planted on a wide variety of sites, but is not recommended for limestone soils. It is best used on inside rows of windbreaks in central and western Nebraska, or as outside rows in eastern Nebraska. The jack pine's general pyramidal form and persistent branches makes it a good substitute for eastern redcedar.

Jack pine has no serious diseases, but pine tip moths can be a problem.

Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) is native to northwest and northcentral Nebraska. Needles are grouped in threes, and sometimes pairs, 5 to 10 inches long. Cones are 3 to 6 inches long and each scale is armed with a sharp recurved spine. It can withstand prolonged drought and is the best pine to use on severe sites. It is best used in east and south inside rows of windbreaks.

Zimmerman pine moths and Sphaeropsis (Diplodia) blight can be serious problems and can kill or deform trees if not controlled. Pine tip moths can stunt growth by killing branch tips and Dothistroma needle blight can occasionally cause defoliation if not controlled.

Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris) a native of Europe, is widely planted as a Christmas tree. Older trees have orange-colored bark in the crown.

This species is not as drought resistant as ponderosa pine, Austrian pine or jack pine. It is best used in east or south inside rows in windbreaks. Sphaeropsis (Diplodia) blight, and the foliage diseases brown spot and Naemacyclus needle cast, can damage the tree severely if not controlled. It also is subject to pine tip moth and Zimmerman pine moth injury.

Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) is native to Nebraska. It is highly adapted to a wide range of sites and has the highest survival rate of any conifer planted in Nebraska. Its deep roots and small leaf surface make it very drought resistant. The foliage turns a russet color in winter. It is the primary species in most windbreaks.

Two foliage diseases, Cercospora blight and Phomopsis blight, can cause substantial defoliation and kill redcedar if not controlled. Cercospora blight is common and widespread. A third foliage disease, Kabatina blight, can kill branch tips but is not a serious concern. Spider mites occasionally cause damage, and young trees may require protection.

Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens) is native to the Rocky Mountain region. The color ranges from dark green to silvery blue green. Blue spruce will form a very dense windbreak when planted close together, but they only have a medium growth rate. Colorado blue spruce is best used as the inside row of farmstead windbreaks. Survival is best if the seedlings are protected from drying winds by placing wooden shingles on the south and west sides.

Spider mites can be a problem. Rhizosphaera needle cast can be a problem if wet conditions are common.