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.

Another shot of the back showing the open area that is now planted.

Dan O.