While Virginia is perhaps best known for its many native oak tree species, that doesn’t mean you won’t find something more exotic growing here and there throughout the Ashburn area. Although trees perform a very valuable function in that they prevent soil erosion, absorb toxins out of the air, and provide food and shelter for various forest critters, it’s true that they can also directly improve our lives by improving the aesthetic of our properties and yes, even providing food for us to eat as well! From time to time, Growing Earth Tree Care is contacted by property owners in Ashburn who are interested in planting fruit trees on their property, and they wonder which ones are best suited for our climate and soil type. The reply our tree care and maintenance experts typically give is: persimmons! Want to grow permissions at your Ashburn home? Our tree care and maintenance experts can help!

A persimmon is a delicious fruit that emerges from “a number of species of trees in the genus Diospyros. Persimmons are generally light yellow orange to dark red orange in color, and depending on the species, vary in size and may be spherical, acorn or pumpkin shaped,” explains Port Kells Nurseries. Persimmons are slightly sweet with a starchy texture, and have long been revered for various medicinal and edible applications.

Where Do Persimmon Trees Come From?

The persimmon was introduced to America by way of California. It is believed that the fruit, native to China, spread to North America as additional cultivars were introduced to Japan and Korea. The American persimmon, also known as the common persimmon, can now be found from Florida to Connecticut, west to Iowa and south to Texas.

What Growing Conditions Does A Persimmon Tree Like?

Common persimmons are quite resilient, thriving in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 9. Once established, persimmons perform best when they have access to full sun with plenty of good wind movement. Persimmon trees enjoy deep, well drained loam and regular watering.

Tips For Persimmon Tree Care & Maintenance

If you’re thinking about planting persimmons, or have discovered some growing wild on your property, you may be wondering the best way care for and maintain these hearty fruit trees. The most important thing to know is that the “American persimmon tree requires both male and female for fruit while the Asian variety is self-fruiting. If you have a smaller garden space, consider the Asian persimmon,” explains Gardening Know How. Other than that, your persimmon tree will only require regular watering during its younger years. Once it’s well established, it will only require watering during periods of drought. Persimmons don’t typically require fertilization, and should be pruned very sparingly by a professional in the late winter or early spring. Would you like help with trimming, pruning, or other tree maintenance tasks? It’s very important to leave tree care up to the experts at Growing Earth Tree Care, because just one mistake made with the best of intentions can ruin a tree for life. Why risk it? Call the tree maintenance and care company that more people in Ashburn trust. Call our certified arborists today!