The American Persimmon is a fruit bearing tree that is often overlooked as an addition to your property’s deer management plan. Most people plant apple trees, especially in the northern zones of 4 and 5. Apples are a great addition to your property and will provide fruit for wildlife virtually every year. However, adding Persimmons to your property can give you an edge over your neighbor.
The fruit of the Persimmon is very sweet and is known as “God’s pear” or “Fruit of the God’s”. The tree itself can reach heights of 60 feet and are typically either male or female. Some trees will produce both male and female flowers and it is important to speak with the nursery to make sure you get trees that will produce fruit. Persimmons are popular in the southern states and for Pennsylvania you need to make sure you get a variety that will thrive in USDA Zone 5. The American Persimmon does not suffer from many insects or diseases which make it a maintenance free addition to your property. Pruning is not necessary but removing dead or dying branches is always a good idea.
One advantage to adding Persimmons to your management plan is that they blossom later in the spring than apple trees. When we have a late frost in Pennsylvania, which isn’t uncommon in the northern half of the state, our apple trees can be severely impacted. Persimmons, on the other hand, because they bloom later, are less likely to be affected. When fall arrives and your neighbor’s property is devoid of fruit because of the late spring frost, your property with it’s Persimmons will have plenty of fruit loving deer. By adding Persimmon's you increase the bio diversity of your property and when you couple them with Chestnuts, apples, and annual plantings of brassicas you will increase the attractiveness of your property and increase your chances of a successful hunt.
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