I wanted to plant a tree in my front yard. Given limited space, I could really only plant one and wanted to select something appropriate that would thrive, look nice and last a long time. I began going to the Arboretum to look at trees over the seasons and in the process I realized how little I knew about trees and how poor I was at identification. Now I’m the resident tree expert in my friend and family group and can’t help point out each tree we come across of note. At this point I am leaning towards planting a self-pollinating cultivar of American Persimmon so as to have a shade tree that is also an edible native fruit tree.