We gave a tree that has big holes in it and we want to know what is causing it and what can we do about it

It's been about three years since I had a maple tree cut down. The crew chopped it up and I've been using it for mulch for my vegetable garden. Now most of it has decayed and it's gotten much finer. What can I use this for now?

I’m seeking an alternative to a traditional grass lawn. We have two large maple trees in our front yard, and they seem to be sucking up most of the available light and moisture for our grass to properly grow. What alternatives might I have for this space to eliminate my “dirt patch” front yard?

I'm a local person, just out in Williamston and would like to plant a small orchard with varied fruits. Apples, peaches, pears, apricots all seem pretty straight forward, two trees to pollinate that bud at the same time. I was also thinking Paw Paw and figs.  

Any advice on varieties of all of these for our region? For the apples I think honeycrisp and cortland (if I can find these).   

Do you think cherries are a good idea with our climate warming?  

Any advice on where to purchase locally or online for the best quality?  also dwarf vs others. I have about a quarter of an acre are Im looking at utilizing. and would like to hopefully start getting a harvest in several years.