Be patient when cold stratifying seeds-give them the recommended time and a few days or weeks extra for good measure. Don't over water, over dampen anything. Fertilize your seedlings only when the weather warms up-this is the only time they can actually use it anyway. Every single tree seed carries a different genetic blueprint and because of this every one that germinates and grows on to a tree will be unique in some way. The majority of trees bought from nurseries, while often superior bred forms are usually also all clones which can be quite boring.
Trees grow remarkably fast from seedlings.
When storing seeds for later planting or for stratification at a later date store them in a sealed plastic container so as to keep them dry and place in your refrigerator. Trees are usually quite forgiving when it comes to what kind of soil they will tolerate. However they don't do well in soils that are constantly water logged so steer clear of planting them in really wet areas. Try to amend your soils when possible with organic matter. Sincerely, Gary W. Field mgr.