QT; I'm from Ontario but I'm sure that you have local/state organizations which supply the same services as we have. I've attached a link to the conservation authority that I purchased trees from and who's services I used:

http://www.greysauble.on.ca/forestry.html

It'll give you an idea of what's out there.

I've had approx. 90% survival of my seedlings. The losses were due to:
- tree planters planting in wrong area (too dry)
- animals (deer. rabbits) eating trees
- grass competition on hardwoods
- mowing accidents when trying to keep the grass down

This'll be year 5 for trees at my hunting property and about year 22 for my small farm where I live. Simazine is a herbicide which kills grass for approx. 2 years. Unlike Roundup, you can get it on the tree when you're spraying it without hurting the tree.

The area below now has 2 ft. pines in the open area. This is a before picture. The apples will be left to grow between areas of pines and other hardwoods. When the snow melts I'll get some after pictures during tree planting.

Dan O.