planting persimmon trees?

[Aviacs]

I've got 23 persimmon trees growing in root-cutter pots and would like to understand the best way to get them through winter?
Chemung county is now about 5b, so marginal but acceptable. Being on a plateau above any major cities (Elmira), we might be one zone colder?
Should it go ahead and plant them?
Or????
(picture is from last month.)

 

[Del_]

You can plant them now or later in the winter while still dormant.

You are going to have to protect them from deer most likely. They will eat them to the ground.

 

[Aviacs]

You can plant them now or later in the winter while still dormant.

You are going to have to protect them from deer most likely. They will eat them to the ground.

Are you saying it is better to plant them when dormant?

Deer are my biggest fear for planting.
Mice and similar are my fear for covering and not planting...

Any suggestions?