How to Transplant Fuji Persimmon Fruit Trees

Persimmon trees transplant best when young.

The Fuyu Jiro persimmon, sometimes erroneously called "Fuji," is an Asian persimmon, and one of the most frequently planted cultivars of the species. Fuyu is non-astringent and its fruit is firm and crisp, unlike American persimmons, which are soft, like cantaloupe. Persimmon trees grow in well-drained, loamy soil, and will not tolerate standing water. If you must move your persimmon to a better location, do it before the tree is five feet tall, because its root system is notoriously fragile, deep and easily damaged by contact with air.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Bucket
• Wheelbarrow

Instructions

1. Transplant persimmons in early fall or late winter when the tree is dormant. Dig the transplant hole with a shovel before moving the tree. Dig the hole as wide as the drip line of the tree to be moved, and at least 3 feet deep.

2. Dig in a circle around the persimmon tree, at the drip line of the widest branches. Set the point of the shovel at a 45-degree angle toward the central tap root. You will not be able to avoid cutting through some of the delicate side roots, but you want to get as much of the tap root as possible.

3. Once you've come full circle, go around again, this time digging and gently prying up. If the tap root resists, dig down a little deeper and try again. Grasp the tree at the base of its trunk, prying up with the shovel, and lift it out of the hole and into the wheelbarrow.

4. Roll the persimmon tree quickly to the new site. Pour half a bucket of water in the bottom of the hole to help reduce transplant shock. Lift the tree out of the wheelbarrow and set it in the hole.

5. Check to see that the root crown (bottom of the trunk) is 2 inches above the soil line, and the persimmon tree is standing straight. Adjust it if necessary. Backfill the hole with soil, pressing it firmly against the roots to close air spaces that can dry them out, and adding water in splashes as you go. Tamp the soil down with your foot, and finish with a bucket of water poured slowly over the root zone.

Tips & Warnings

• Dehydrated roots are the biggest problem for transplanted persimmons. Water every other day for a month after transplanting to prevent damage and ease shock.

• If the persimmon you want to transplant is more than five feet tall, it likely will not survive transplanting with a shovel. If you are determined to move it, contact an arborist or tree service that has a tree spade that can dig deep enough to get the tree's root system out intact.

References

• North Carolina State University: Growing Oriental Persimmons
• Missouri Environment Garden: Persimmons: Food of the Gods
• University of Arizona: Fruit Trees

Resources

• University of California: Persimmons for California
• University of Arizona: Deciduous Fruit and Nuts for the Low Desert