Fruit trees: start big or small?

[Luanne Mattson]

I want to purchase a couple of citrus trees from the Phx Permaculture fruit tree program this year. This may be a silly question, but will a 15-gallon tree bear fruit sooner than a 5-gallon tree? The 5-gal trees are so much more reasonably priced! In other words, what are the advantages/disadvantages of buying a 5-gal vs. a 15-gal?

If you have any experience, I'd love to hear about it.
Thanks.

[Don Titmus]

I have purchased and planted many citrus trees from Greenfield Nursery in Mesa. Locally grown. I alway plant as big as the client can afford up to 24inch [beyond that you need machinery.]
yes a 15g will fruit more and sooner that a 5g. I also dont plant until after the frosts [march] unless the client is dilegent about protection, or during May and June - too hot and dry or between november and february - too cold.

[Luanne Mattson]

Thanks for the info!