It does appear that there is decay in the rootstock. I won't know what to suggest although I might be tempted to dig around in there to see just how much is dead. Appears to be a case where a replacement tree would be in order if that's an option.

If I were you, as a last ditch attempt, I would dig up the tree and put it in a large pot, where you can move it around and keep it in the shade or somewhere cooler until it gets growing better. If it recovers and starts dealing better with the heat and growing well again, you can then re-plant it. But if you leave it baking in the sun it will almost certainly die.

Carla in Sac

That tree looks mostly okay. The top of the rootstock has died and decayed leaving a good sized defect, and that may be an issue down the road, but I don't think that is the cause of your current observations. American persimmon trees can look a bit droopy this time of year but improve as the season goes on. This year in particular a lot of folks are getting more rain than they would want, and this can take a toll on young persimmon trees. Short of taking a look for signs of borer damage and small mammal damage, I would do nothing and hope for the best.

I agree with creekweb - overall your tree looks great. Persimmons are much more droopy than your average tree.

Scott

Thanks for all the comments. It is possible that this tree may survive but Edible Landscaping was kind enough to agree to send out a replacement. Maybe I'll move it to a container and see if I can nurse it along as was suggested by Carla upthread.