You didn't mention where you're located, but it sounds to me like "Cold Winter/Short Growing Season" - 'The North'.
When dealing with harsh environments, I find it really pays to buy trees raised near your location, or at least in the same conditions. For cold winter areas, there are 2 tree nurseries that I trust.
One is
Lawyer Nursery in Plains, MT - USDA Zone 5
and
St. Lawrence Nursery in Potsdam, NY - USDA Zone 3
Lawyers is wholesale, and has great prices, but minimum orders.
Some of their trees are from warmer west WA.
St. Lawrence grows 'em all in Zone 3. Great selection of
hardy trees.
Both are well respected by their customers.