If you decide to prune, don't take off more that 1/3 of the canopy in any year. Start by removing criss-crossing branches and those that are thinner than a pencil.

Thanks, you're right that would be a good start. But it's not really what I'm wondering about.

I would like to remove the large, contorted branches to try and achieve a more aesthetic structure and balanced framework for the tree. is it too old/too grown for that severe/drastic type of pruning?

The branches that are smaller than a pencil are the least of my concerns at this point, it's the overall shape of the large branches, the main framework, that I find offensive.

Do your branch clean up over the next two or three dormancy periods. Plan the cuts now to open up space and remove some of the offending limbs. You should certainly be able to achieve your desire and still take advantage of the mature root system. I would remove one or two larger branches now to start your open structure and during the growing season remove any new sprouts that grow contrary to your plan. Then next winter, finish your clean up. If necessary, do some cleanup again the following winter.

Sounds good; I'll develop a multi-year plan to correct the shape. it looks like this tree was allowed to develop two leaders vs central leader. Since we can't remove the old wood stake I'll see if we can cut that down now as well.

I'm agreeing with Gardengal on this one. BUT, I'd start by taking off the bottom two large branches - left and right. Step back. Take out any smaller branches that cross and any in the middle... to open it up. Step back. Look to see what you like/don't like. Do more pruning next winter... as suggested. Remember, you can always take it off, but you can't put it back. I like to go for a sort-of Bonsai look with this sort of tree.... but that's me.

Specimen looks too advanced in age to do much formative pruning now, selective thinning of the clutter of whippy sprouts made in response to past lopping back of main stems should probably be more or less the extent of what is done going forward. That said any badly angled older branches that start to look at some point like they are in danger of breaking under fruit loads should be removed also.

d

Thanks everyone! Cleaned the tree up this morning! It is more open and looks better already. Did the same to the neighboring apple tree yesterday... it also has similarly weirdly shaped branches growing at odd angles but, for whatever reason, didn't overwhelm me mentally like the persimmon. Getting both trees into shape will be a multi-year project.

Good for YOU! It does look happier... doing a joyful dance with it's arms raised to the sky.

it appears the tree was topped ... see link for info about restoring such a tree ... there might be some vids on the topic under that tab ....

do understand ... fruit peeps do things much differently than tree peeps ... in that they prune for fruit production ... as compared to aesthetic ...

ken

https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffsb&q=restoring+a+topped+tree&ia=web

I agree they were likely topped -- and possibly more than once. We like the fruit, but the trees produced waaay more than our family can eat and give away. Since we're on a relatively small suburban lot, I prefer to keep the trees both productive AND attractive.