What's eating my american persimmon?

American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) faces its biggest threat from the persimmon borer, whose larvae tunnel into the lower trunk and roots. Scale insects, persimmon psyllid, and deer browsing round out the main threats. Overall it is remarkably tough for a fruiting tree, rarely needing serious intervention.

Larvae tunnel into lower trunk and tap roots; entry holes with sawdust-like frass at the base; tree loses vigor and can decline or die. Keep the base free of weeds and mulch against the trunk; remove and destroy infested wood; apply beneficial nematodes to soil around the base in late summer.

Crusty or waxy bumps on bark and stems; yellowing leaves, reduced vigor, and sticky honeydew leading to sooty mold. Apply dormant horticultural oil in late winter before bud break; scrub small infestations with a soft brush; avoid excess nitrogen that encourages soft growth.

Leaf curling, puckering, and distortion; white waxy secretions on buds; gall-like swelling on new shoots. Apply dormant oil in early spring to smother overwintering eggs; prune affected shoot tips; insecticidal soap for active nymphs.

Bark stripped from the lower trunk in winter; young shoots and foliage browsed, sometimes killing new transplants outright. Install wire mesh tree guards at least 1.5 m (5 ft) tall around young trees; use deer repellent sprays in dormant season; fence the orchard where pressure is high.