Q: I have three three-year old persimmon trees but they have never had any persimmons. Is this normal or should they be bearing?

A: Three- or four-year old trees are still establishing a vigorous root system. Your trees are more interested in growing limbs and roots than in flowering in spring and making fruit right now. In May, keep an eye on the branch ends. Male persimmon trees will produce a slender, urn-shaped flower. Female trees make a fat, squatty flower. If you have both sexes, you’ll have fruit.