How to Transplant Persimmon Trees

The American persimmon tree, or Diospyros virginiana, adds grace and year-round interest to many landscapes across North America. Hardy, disease- and drought-resistant, and easy to maintain, persimmon trees produce huge quantities of delicious fruit once they mature. Large, drooping leaves give the persimmon tree a graceful appeal while the dark, checkered bark of mature trees provides winter interest. Bell-shaped flowers are a warm creamy-yellow, extremely fragrant and long lasting.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Garden gloves
• Organic compost
• Organic mulch
• Peat moss
• Pruning shears

Instructions

Choosing A Location To Plant Your Persimmon Tree

1. Determine your planting zone. Persimmon trees grow in United States Hardiness Zones 5 to 7. If protected when young, some varieties can grow in zone 4.

2. Choose a sunny, well-drained planting location. Persimmon trees can survive in shade, but grow and fruit best in full sun.

3. Consider the size of the tree at maturity and plant in a location that will not interfere with utility lines, fences, property boundaries or underground pipes. A mature persimmon tree can reach a height of 40 to 50 feet.

Selecting Trees For Transplant

1. Select young, sturdy persimmon trees for transplanting.

2. Choose trees at least 1 to 2 feet tall, with straight and strong stems. Select seedlings without broken branches, scarring or visible damage.

3. Transplant trees in the spring, which will allow the tree to be established before the heat of summer.

Transplanting Your Persimmon Trees

1. Dig around the tree, being careful not to damage delicate roots.

2. Lift the tree by the root base. Do not pull or yank on the tree as this will damage the root system.

3. Place the tree in a bucket or tub.

4. Cover the root mass with water and soak overnight.

5. Dig a hole at the new location that is twice as wide and twice as deep as the root system of the tree you are transplanting.

Planting Your Tree

1. Place the tree in the hole, centered and aligned vertically.

2. Fill the hole with a mixture of equal parts topsoil, organic compost and peat moss.

3. Tamp down the soil gently around the roots to fill voids and air pockets. Water well by soaking the base of the tree. Allow water to settle and drain.

4. Cover the planting area with a 2 to 3 inch layer of organic mulch. Aged non-treated sawdust, torn strips of cardboard, shredded newspaper or straw can be used.

5. Top dress the planting area with a 1 to 2 inch layer of pine bark or small decorative rock chips.

Tips & Warnings

• The delicate flowers are an excellent nectar source for honeybees.

• Falling fruit can be messy. Choose a planting site where the fruit will not fall on patios, walkways or porches.

References

• The American persimmon tree's requirements
• Tree Trail's American persimmon page

Resources

• University of Arkansas page on persimmon trees