Pruning Oriental persimmons require no special pruning practices. Prune as you would an ornamental tree. Prune to develop a strong framework of branches. As the tree begins to bear, the heavy fruit may break limbs. Thinning fruit helps reduce the chances of this type of breakage.
Mature trees require little pruning.
Remove any dead, diseased, or injured wood. Also remove any limb that crosses another that may rub and cause injury. If the tree is planted in the yard, prune any limbs that may pose a hazard when mowing. Oriental persimmons may be pruned heavily to grow as a hedge or screen or to reduce tree size. It may even be grown as an espalier.