How to Plant a Persimmon Tree in Northern California

Choose the full-sun planting site carefully. Persimmons drop ripe fruit, which splatters everywhere. Avoid planting the tree next to a driveway or where it may otherwise create a nuisance.

Dig the planting hole the same depth at which the persimmon tree is currently growing and wide enough to spread the roots out on the bottom.

Use a garden fork to rough up the sides of the hole to make it easier for the roots to penetrate the soil. If they can’t easily penetrate, they’ll circle around the hole, girdling the tree.

Place the persimmon tree in the hole and adjust the depth to ensure that the graft union -- the area on the lower trunk where the persimmon was grafted onto root stock -- will be 2 inches above the soil after the tree is planted.

Shovel enough soil into the hole to cover the roots and then fill the hole halfway with water. As the water drains, it will settle the soil around the roots and remove air pockets.

Mound the soil at least 1 inch around the base of the tree to allow for settlement after you water.

Spread a 4-inch layer of mulch around the persimmon tree, starting 6 inches away from the trunk and extending to the drip line.

Water the tree slowly, to the depth at which it is planted.

Prune the unbranched young tree by one-third. Use a diagonal cut, just above a bud. Prune the older persimmon tree by clearing out interior branches that are spindly, pointing inward or downward or crossing over other branches. After the tree is established, prune it to form its structure.