I’m located in Fresno, California and this tree is located on the north side of my home.

Unless you can provide some shade for it, I might suggest replacing. These are by nature woodland understory trees and thrive in at least partial shade. Provide plenty of water in the form of infrequent but long, slow soakings.

I agree with GardenGal; replace. The Central Valley is not the ideal climate for JMs.

You might offer it to someone with a shady spot; the time to dig it up would be mid winter.

Japanese persimmons make a nice small tree with good fall color.

was it leafed out ... when the larger tree was removed.. if so.. that was not what we would call.. hardening off to full sun.. it was just bam.. full sun.. no go burn your leaves off...

i would probably .. having no CA experience... suggest you see how it does next year.. when the leaves emerge in full sun...

maples in general are water hogs.. and one thing the shade provided.. was less evaporation from the soil of ambient moisture.. so increase water... deep infrequent watering... just drip a hose on it for a few hours once a month or so..

even damaged leaves do their work... short of going all crispy.. so do what you have to do.. to keep them working... if there was total loss.. most trees.. can and do releaf... so your tree cant be in that bad of shape...

or just get rid of it.. as noted above.. as they seem to be more aware of the central valley.. whatever that maybe..

ken

Hi Ken,

We had the larger tree removed last Fall when the JM was losing its leaves. The JM re-leafed nicely this Spring. It maintained its color and looked healthy up until the last few weeks when the temps rose. Thank you for your advice!

@gardengal48, @iochroma, I think I just might replace it with something more drought tolerant in the Fall!