persimmon tree questions

banner

I have a couple of questions, need some advice about this tree. There is a crotch I'm concerned about that you can see in some of these pics...looks like cabling my be in order?

Also should I prune of all those little sucker limbs that grow straight up off the limbs and when?

I'm trying to keep this tree in good health so "ANY" and I do mean any,good advice you can offer will be much appreciated by me and my tree. Some of the limbs are pretty long too, was wondering if I should also prune back those.

I recently had to take out a good size water maple standing next to it(ice storm damaged severely) and that is why there is little limb growth on the east side of this persimmon.
Will the persimmon eventually generate growth on the bare side, now that it's not competing with the maple anymore?

Like I said if you see anything else that needs attention feel free to let me know. I just want to get it in shape.
Also if more pics are needed.....just let me know
Thank you.

Attached Files

	002 - Copy.pdf (608.5 KB, 47 views)
	006.pdf (715.3 KB, 31 views)
	004.pdf (1.06 MB, 23 views)
	001.pdf (904.2 KB, 21 views)

Eric Frei

Some cabling is definitely in order for the main 2 leaders. I would use a dynamic 18mm dia 20% stretch cable at 50% and 66% the leaders height, yes 2 cables. I would install them just taut, that means very little slack however they have a 20% stretch before breaking which means natural movement will be dampened but still allowed. I also note I am unable to see surrounding targets and do not know the consequences of failure however this system doubles as fall arrest.

Pruning off suckers .... prune off totally where the union to the branch is smaller than 1", otherwise reduce them. They actually photosynthesize adding to the trees system however if they get too big then they could fail. They also will thicken the branch they grow from adding to strength. You dont want large wounds on the tops of branches for decay.

Never got to see the base of the tree, seeing those suckers growing means something is perhaps not right at the business end of the tree. Have you considered some growth retardant treatment and mycorrhizal invigoration?

__________________

banner

Thanyou Ekka, I'll get some pics up of the trunk tomorrow(calling for rain all day tomorrow. Got a job interview too, but I'll get the pics posted by the evening at the latest.
The tree is 80'+ tall and male, never has produced fruit since I moved here 19 years ago. Some one told me they can change sex, that true?

The tree took some damage from the ice storm here last Feb in addition to many others ......worst ice storm on record here, 2" of ice on everything. It was the most amazing weather event I've ever witnessed. My yard looked like a war zone. Had a nice elm that I had to remove, lost 2/3rds of the canopy, and a water maple was reduced to little more than a eye sore. I'm still trying to deal with all the damage done to my tree's, and my sons. About 25 trees in all are in need of work,

Also my home or another tree/pine could be hit pending the dynamics, and forces contributing to cause the crotch failure. Your recomendation is valued and I'll post pics once I get it done along with your pruning advice if you like.......thank you sir!

Any chance of new growth on the mid to lower main stem?
I'll look into the growth retardant treatment and mycorrhizal invigoration,thanks.

banner

Here ya go...Doc. Let me know if you need more

Attached Files

	persimmon trunk1.pdf (2.09 MB, 28 views)
	persimmon trunk2.pdf (1.97 MB, 31 views)

Eric Frei

Hmmm, wonder what that line or groove is about 3' up from ground?

Anyway, looks good, good flare and some lichen.

I'd like to see you get rid of the lawn within say 10' of the trunk and mulch it. Keep the mulch away from the trunk by say 6" though.

Now the chances of a tree growing mid to lower stem is very low, often you'll get nothing or epicormics.

__________________

banner

Alright.....and again Ekka

The line 3" up the the trunk?.....forgot to mention this tree is a talker.
Not a clue, was like that before I got here. I think it's kinda cool looking.

Garry Brockley

it looks as if something was tied around the tree at some point and its grown over it, nice tree though.

__________________

banner

Ekka, I'm having a problem getting paclobutrazol. Not something the average person can buy. So I called a tree service, and they wanted a dollar per inch of the diameter......240.00 for my tree.The guy I spoke with said their cost for the chemical is 250.00 per qrt. Does that sound right?

Is there any chance I could buy it? I do have a business(small construction) but it would be for personal use.

stirmantrees

in florida i can get all kinds of stuff for my own personal use at home.
once i use it on someone elses property i need to have a state license for chemicals(pesticide/herbicide/etc.)

banner

Have you tried getting paclobutrazol, stirmantree? let me know if you have any luck. Been a real pain.....endless looking. I did talk to at some company I found online.Guy that said I might be able to to find it sold under the name of "Bonzi". Still no luck finding it.