How to prune hachiya persimmon

Late winter to early spring while fully dormant. Head back the central leader if the tree is becoming too tall, and select 3–4 well-spaced scaffold branches in a modified-leader form. Each year, thin the inner canopy to improve light and air. Shorten vigorous upright shoots by one-third to encourage fruiting laterals. Wear gloves — bare wood is rough.

Annually in late winter. Hachiya persimmon is a vigorous astringent variety with a naturally conical habit. It requires annual pruning to control its strong upright growth, open the canopy, and encourage side-branching where fruit is borne. Without pruning, the tree becomes tall and fruit clusters at the canopy tips, making harvest difficult.

Head back the central leader if the tree is becoming too tall, and select 3–4 well-spaced scaffold branches in a modified-leader form. Each year, thin the inner canopy to improve light and air. Shorten vigorous upright shoots by one-third to encourage fruiting laterals. Wear gloves — bare wood is rough.