deciduous tree
Common Persimmon: pruning, storm risk and removal
Diospyros virginiana. Also called American persimmon, Eastern persimmon, Possumwood.
Plain-English notes for homeowners, plus field notes for tree crews. General guidance only: for one specific tree, have a local insured pro look at it.
Common Persimmon at a glance
| Height | 35-60 ft |
|---|---|
| Spread | 20-35 ft |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| USDA zones | 4-9 |
| Lifespan | Typically 60-100 years, some live longer |
| Type | Deciduous |
| Native range | Eastern and southeastern United States, from Connecticut to Florida and west to Iowa, Kansas and Texas, in old fields, woods and fence rows |
| Roots | A deep taproot with spreading roots. The tree often sends up root suckers and can form thickets. It is hard to transplant when larger. |
| Wood | Very hard, heavy and dense, in the same family as ebony. It burns hot as firewood but is hard to cut and split. The wood has been used for tool handles and golf club heads. |
| Storm risk | lowThe wood is dense and strong. The tree is fairly tough in wind, though old trees can have dead limbs and decay in the trunk. |
Typical ranges, not guarantees. Soil, water, space and care change how a tree grows. Storm risk is our general rating for the species, not an inspection.
For homeowners
Caring for a common persimmon
Best time to prune
Late winter while dormant. Remove dead wood, root suckers and low or crossing branches. Prune young trees to one leader.
Avoid pruning
Avoid heavy pruning, topping and large wounds. On young trees, do not remove too much of the crown at once, since newly exposed bark can get sunscald.
More on timing: when to prune trees.
- Female trees drop fruit in the fall. Ripe fruit is sweet, but unripe fruit is very bitter. Plant away from walks and patios.
- Expect root suckers and mow or cut them as they come up.
- Plant a small tree where you want it, since it is hard to move later.
- It handles dry, poor soil well once it is established.
Safety first
Do not climb a tree or use a chainsaw on storm-loaded or broken wood. If a tree or limb is touching power lines, stay away and call the utility. If someone is in danger, call 911. For anything big, hire a local insured pro: read how to hire a tree service and is my tree dangerous?
Lirevon does not do tree work. Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews, then get two or three written quotes.
For tree crews
Field notes: working on common persimmon
- 1Expect very hard wood and sharpen chains often.
- 2Fallen fruit makes the ground slippery. Clean it up before rigging and chipping.
- 3Check for dead limbs and cankers on older trees before tying in.
- 4Tell the customer about suckers coming back after a stump is ground.
Removal notes
Wood is very hard and dulls chains quickly. Pieces are heavy. Root suckers keep coming up after the tree is gone, so plan stump grinding and follow-up cutting or treatment. Fruit drop in the fall can make rigging and ground work messy.
Wood
Very hard, heavy and dense, in the same family as ebony. It burns hot as firewood but is hard to cut and split. The wood has been used for tool handles and golf club heads.
Pricing this job? Try the tree job estimator. Follow your own safety plan and crew training on every job.
Common problems for common persimmon
Pests and diseases to watch for. Each link explains signs and what to do.
Trees often mistaken for it
Check the leaves, bark and shape before you decide how to prune or treat.
Where common persimmon grows
Native range: Eastern and southeastern United States, from Connecticut to Florida and west to Iowa, Kansas and Texas, in old fields, woods and fence rows
Common in these US regions. Tap one to see other trees there.
Free tools for this tree
They run in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere. Results are estimates.
Common Persimmon: common questions
Can you eat common persimmon fruit?
Yes, once it is fully ripe and soft. Unripe fruit is very bitter and makes your mouth pucker. Ripe fruit is sweet and often falls in autumn after the first frosts.
Why does my persimmon have no fruit?
Common persimmon trees are usually male or female, and only female trees make fruit. Young trees may also take several years to bear.
How can I tell a persimmon by its bark?
Mature bark is dark and broken into small square blocks, like alligator skin. It is a handy clue for crews and homeowners.
Are persimmon roots a problem near a house?
The main root is deep, so it is rarely a foundation issue. The bigger issue is root suckers sprouting in the lawn.
Is persimmon good firewood?
The wood is very dense and burns hot, but it is hard to cut and split. Many people burn it only when they have the right tools.
When does a persimmon tree need removal?
Usually when it is dead, decayed, or a hazard to a home. Some owners also remove female trees because of fruit drop. A certified arborist can give written advice. Get two or three written quotes.
More trees in the same regions
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