Question
Please first allow me to thank you for your generosity in taking on my question.  I am interested in growing certain fruit-bearing trees (e.g., persimmon, walnut and chestnut) and spruce and cedar.  What are the advantages of starting with saplings from nurseries (vs. with seeds), and what are the particular factors that are important in starting out (w/ both seeds and saplings)?  I am from Chicago-land area.  What kinds of growth can I reasonably expect in 5-10 years?   Are there any species that are well/better suited for backyard growing than others?  Thank you very much.
Kris Chae

Answer
Hi Kris,
Thanx for your question.  I enjoy growing plants, trees, shrubs, etc. from seed.  I know that if I start a tree seed like a lemon or an avocado (which I've done) it's going to take 5-7 years for those trees to bear fruit.  Still, I like to grow from seed.  I believe you would be better served by starting with saplings from the nurseries.  I don't think you are interested in watching the seed grow into a tree but more interested in looking for a saplilng to deliver you the fruits/nuts/etc. of your interest.  Don't grow any spruce, cedar or for that matter a fruit tree from seed if you can't wait 7-10 years.  The fruit trees will bear earlier the cedar and spruce will not do much for the first 5 years.  I hope this helps.
Tom