Which trees do better in the North?
 

At my home in New Paltz I planted Reliance Peaches from Gurney's. I am dissapointed in their growth. Should I plant another variety of tree more suitable for the Northern states? I also checked the USDA zones and found that where I am in WV is in the same zone as the house in NY! I guess being up in th emountains makes more of a difference than lattitude!

Maple groves are always nice :)

I have 8 BIG sugar maples I want to get my tenant to tap next winter. Maple sap has skyrocketed in price. I have three varieties of apples and the peaches there that I planted when I bought the house. I also put in black walnuts and English walnuts.

If a tree does not do something like produce fruit, nuts, or sap - I don't want it:D

Go here first: http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html
Select your state for a detailed map. Figure out your hardiness zone. If you live in or near mountains be especially wary because freeze patterns get screwy in and around mountains. Screwy to us flatlanders. Mountain people probably think it makes perfect sense.

Talk to your nurserymen about appropriate selections. Lowes, Home Depot, Walmart, KMart don't know squat compared to a local nursury that has been around awhile. You pay a premium for plants but you get a lot of knowledge. It's worth it.

You can usually get away with a one zone colder selection but you're setting yourself up for future disappointment by going one zone warmer.