Knowledgebase

Heading Young Fruit Tree #924607

Asked February 15, 2026, 12:11 PM EST

I have a 3-4yr old persimmon sapling in the ground. It came, topped in last year's wood and I cut that back even further down, to get the branches started lower. I would like to take it down further. Can I safely cut/top/head this sapling in the second year's wood, or will that cause problems down the road? Thanks!

Lane County Oregon

Expert Response

Persimmon trees are rarely kept as bushes. Here is a link to the process.
Pruning Persimmon | UC Marin Master Gardeners
Patricia Patterson Replied February 17, 2026, 9:11 AM EST

Thank you for this valuable information, Patricia; it will be most useful as I visualize the tree's growth and prune it through the future.

I do need to clarify my question and situation... Right now, this 3-4yr old "tree" has no branches; it's simply a straight sapling, which came, topped in last year's wood and I cut it back even a little further, still in the 1yr wood, to create lateral branches lower than waist height.

I'm asking if I can safely cut this straight sapling down into the 2yr wood, to start the branching, closer to knee height, or will this be bad for the tree, into its future?

Thanks!,   Ken

The Question Asker Replied February 17, 2026, 10:10 AM EST
It is desirable to get that branching started, but cutting it back repeatedly may sap its strength to do that branching. I am presuming that the stem is wanting to grow straight up. Is that correct? Perhaps it needs a break in cutting to break latent side buds. As an experiment, don't cut any more this season and see how the tree responds.








Patricia Patterson Replied February 17, 2026, 9:47 PM EST

Thank you, Patricia!

Yes, this "tree" is just a straight stick, growing straight up.  Looking at it closer today, it's been poorly pruned, at that; I'm hoping it will heal over and be a happy tree one day.  So, I'll just chill and watch it grow.

Were I to do it again, I'd get a younger sapling, like a 2yr old, and I think it would do better.  It didn't pay to have a tree that had been stunted for ~4yrs.

Many thanks for your help!!  :=)

Ken


On 2026-02-17 6:47 pm, Ask Extension wrote:

The Question Asker Replied February 17, 2026, 10:40 PM EST
So sorry to hear about your tree. If it does not response within this coming garden year, you should consider being a better replacement tree; 
Did it come from a local nursery? If so, you might have a serious talk with them. Perhaps they'll stand by the tree and replace.
Patricia Patterson Replied February 18, 2026, 4:23 PM EST

Thank you, Patricia!

I got this tree from Stark Bros. in Missouri.  I think I'm going to take detailed pics of the lower pruning cuts, they've done and at least, start the contact with them.... Nature DOES do amazing things, if left alone, but sometimes, the damage can be a future problem.  This tree appears to have been kept in a pot, or pruned down, each year, to keep a 4yr old tree to a smaller size for shipping.  Dunno.  But you've given me great advice and direction.  :=)

They might want to replace this tree to have a good story of customer satisfaction!

Thanks again,

Ken  :=)


On 2026-02-18 1:23 pm, Ask Extension wrote:

The Question Asker Replied February 19, 2026, 10:30 AM EST
Stark is a very reliable company. I am sure they will help you. It was a pleasure to help you.
Patricia Patterson Replied February 19, 2026, 11:50 AM EST

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