[DB]

There are electric pylons in the fields behind my house. As I have the space behind my house I want to plant trees that will cover the view of the pylons. I am looking at a number of conifers to create an interesting screen such as Thuja, pinus, cedrus and myabe abies. Has anyone planted for a similar occurance and any advice would be welcome.

[Liparis]

Whatever you use, give lots of room between them and the pylon. If ESB think they are too close, they will send in the most inefficient and horticulturally deficient contracters to butcher your trees. They will also leave all the mess lying for you to tidy up, even although it's in their remit to leave it tidy and clean. I fought ESB for 6 months after I was taken unawares when at work. They completely detroyed 20 metres of wild hedge, even although I tend it myself, the hedge had been there for in excess of 100 years. I made them get the contracters back and spend the day cleaning up. I then banned them from setting foot on my property again. I now continue tending the hege myself. It'll take years to sort though.
Bill.

[James Kilkelly]

If space allows I would plant quite a boring cluster of trees to shield the pylons, with a really striking group at a further distance to attract the eye in that direction.
The Thujas (possibly plicata "Dura") could be used as the screen, and what ever tickles your fancy (tree-wise) as the attractant in the other cluster.
Cedrus atlantica Glauca the Blue atlas cedar perhaps or the Deodar cedar Cedrus deodora seeing as you mentioned conifers and cedars.