North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[Christopher Kennel <ckennel@gmail.com>]

I have a three year old Meader persimmon that I'd like to get some advice
about.  The tree's caliper is roughly 1.5 inches, and so far the bulk of
the tree is still dormant, and scraping the bark reveals green tissue
underneath.  I understand this is rather typical for persimmons, especially
young ones.  I have noticed a few sprouts emerging from the base of the
trunk, right at the graft union.  Unfortunately I can't determine if the
sprouts originate from the rootstock or scion.  My question to those of you
with persimmon experience is: what should I do with these sprouts?  Should
I leave them to provide some energy to the roots, or should I remove them
so that they don't compete with the still-dormant upper tree?

Thanks,
Chris Kennel
Denver, CO z5b