I bought a our Gala in June or July of 2011, it is doing OK, it was nearly girdled over the winter by rabbits or voles; however, it is a pretty resilient tree and is still kicking. No apples this year, the Yellow Delicious we bought with it is producing after one year, however. I would recommend the tree and Fast-Growing Trees, just be sure to wrap your apple trees well in northern Illinois!