Hello my name is Cole,  I just bought a property in South East Idaho zone5a  I believe. There are not very many trees on the property as of now. there is an L shape row of trees  East and south of the house the southern trees are mostly evergreens which block the Winter Sun from hitting the house but also are a windbreak as most of the wind that we experience comes from the south.  I'm wondering what the best route to take is,I'm thinking of cutting all the trees down and replanting them with some deciduous trees and maybe shrubs open to suggestions maybe Hugakulture bed?Trying to get winter sunsummer shade but also have a windbreak. Thank you for your replies

During the winter, a breeze coming from the south, is a warm breeze. I would welcome the warmth.  

Are the evergreens blocking big south facing windows? Are you intending to install thermal solar heat collectors? If yes, I would cut them immediately. There are few things as pleasant during an Idaho winter as sunlight streaming in through a large south facing window.

I don't much care for how much snow/cold/ice collects and remains on the north side of evergreens during the winter.

Thank you for the response I just realized that this is posted under the ups cycling forum which I did not mean to do, yes I agree with you on removing them.  The southern wind is pretty constant off and on and it's strong so it does create a chilling effect. I do have plans to renovate the house and install more south facing windows then there already are. Thanks again

I wonder if the conifers could be cut about 10' off the ground so that the winter sun can clear them but they'd still block the wind.

Another thought would be a big berm or hugelkultur to bock the wind but not the sun.

I would recommend observing for a full year, before you make a decision.

You can't know yet what it is doing for you at different times of year.

Awesome ,thank you guys for responses