Persimmon Trees

Q. My question is about a persimmon tree on property we bought 4 years ago. I don't know how old it is but it isn't a very big tree. Can't remember the name of the variety but it's the non-astringent type that I call "apple persimmon". The tree always seems to be struggling. In the spring it looks good and by fall it looks like it's dying. It hasn't had any fruit in 3 yrs. When we bought the property there were a few persimmons on it so I am sure about the variety. What can I do to save the tree? It is on the edge of a family orchard and near a huge oak tree. How should it be fed once spring and summer arrive and how should it be watered? I heard a gardener who believes in doing things mostly the organic way say to use alfalfa pellets and rock powder. Does this sound good to you? If so how much when etc.

A. The latter two additives have been reported to work but the dosage is not found. Check a local farming supply company.

Fuyu Persimmon Jiro ("Apple Persimmon"): Medium size flat shape still hard when ripe non-astringent. Cool or hot climate. Hardy attractive tree practically pest-free. Fall harvest. Self-fruitful. [www.redwoodbarn.com]

This tree [after three years old] definitely needs added fertilizer once in the spring after the ground warms and buds begin to break and once in the late spring before flowering. Without these boosts fruiting can be very sporadic. Water is very important too. Plentiful rain or hand watering is needed once the stem leaf buds swell all the way through flowering and into fruit production. Insects will be needed to pollinate the flowers. Bees are particularly good. Persimmons will drop their leaves for the winter. Be sure they are getting adequate water; they are most likely grafted onto American Persimmon rootstock which can tolerate lots of water. Consider a moderate pruning next spring just as the buds break. Remove any weak sucker-like growth and inside branches which are shaded. Lighten the upper branches allowing more nutrients and water to go to the healthiest stems for fruit next spring/summer.

Q. I have a persimmon tree growing next to my house. The fruit that falls in the fall is ruining my roof and my deck. Is there anything I can do to keep it from producing fruit without killing the tree?

A. No not that I know of short of cutting the tree down. You wish to sterilize the tree and that is not an area with which I am familiar.