We live in a residential neighborhood in Portage, MI, and have a question about which evergreen we should choose to replace a towering blue spruce that has finally become all but a skeleton. It sits on a corner of our front yard and, once it’s removed and the stump ground, we’d like to replace it with another evergreen. The question is…with the changing climate and resulting insects/diseases…which evergreens are remaining healthy and will be a good replacement.

I’ve talked with several local nurseries whose staff, however friendly, seem unprepared for this question. My brother-in-law who has farmed in Berrien County for years suggested MSES as a source of info. Have you any suggestions as to which evergreens might be a good replacement?

Thanks so much in advance for any help.