I will be heeding the advice given, and will not be defoliating my deshojo forest this year
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Originally Posted by top_cat
I have a Japanise maple that I am also considering defoliating. I want the lower branches to thicken up, is the best way of doing this just defoliating the top half, to allow more light to reach the lower branches?
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And, yes, defoliation is one method to redirect a tree's energy. If done correctly on a healthy tree it can:
- accelerate the ramification of the tree in general
- strengthen a weak branch - defoliate the whole tree minus that branch
- weaken a strong branch- defoliate that branch
- equalize the strength of branche - remove the large leaves from the strong branches and the apex.
- strengthen the inner shoots - remove the large leaves from the entire tree
- reduce leaf size - defoliate the whole tree
Source: Bonsai Today, #19