Thick tree that can grow in Florida & Maryland

[hotpotato]

I currently live in Florida (Zone 9) but plan on moving to the Maryland area (Zone 6 or 7). Id like to start growing the tree in Florida and then bring it with me to plant in my yard when I move back north.

I would really like to get a tall, thick tree that could someday be a center piece to my yard and be strong enough to climb on.

I know this is a unique question, but I really need some help on this one.

Thank you,
Hot Potato

[applestar]

WHEN do you plan on moving to MD? ...and how long are you prepared to wait for the tree to grow enough to climb on?

(1) fast growing tree may get too big to move without considerable hassle.
(2) slow growing tree may not get very big for decades
(3) sturdiest trees are grown in situ on their original taproot
(4) are you growing in the ground in Florida or in a container, because container grown tree may be stunted without sufficient root room and generally less than ideal growing conditions

[hotpotato]

I will be moving in 3 years, so a slow growing tree would actually be ideal. I was planning on growing it in a pot, because I thought the move from sandy soil to actual dirt wouldnt be to good, not to mention the digging up of it.

[JZydowicz]

The problem with moving the tree is that it will be accustomed to the climate and season length of Florida (and probably be from a seed source or cutting grown in Florida), and will not adjust to the shorter season, different summer, and much colder winters of the Maryland area. It's possible that it could work, but it'd be much harder than just buying a slightly larger tree of the same variety in Maryland and planting it when you get there. 3 years of growth isn't worth all the extra work and likely failure. I wouldn't try it.