Thanks for the replys.

That's a good point about the distance, but I'm not too concerned as this old house has an excellent foundation. Because it has a full basement and is seated on the compacted stone and soil deep down, I don't have anywhere near the trouble someone in a newer house with a poured foundation would have. But, of course I will plant it at a reasonable distance... What would be a good distance for such a house with a horse chestnut tree and a type of duglas fir? I would like them quite close to the house.

Anyway, I guess my cone isn't ripe as I can't shake any seeds out of it, and it doesn't seem as opened out as some of the ones I saw there. Do I have to wait for it to ripen?

Bry