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Yes there is a difference but the differences are more pronounced from species to species. Most deciduous trees respond better to being cut, though some professionals will pull off handfuls of leaves, a practice I don't recommend, it destroys a lot of buds. Some trees you can totally defoliate, some only partially, some not at all. Some have to have portions of the leaves left on the tree, others need only the petiole (leaf stem), and others yet it is a combination of all of the above depending on the vigor and age of the tree.

3-Dec-2005	#6
Vance Wood bonsaiTALK ArchMaster Join Date: Sep-2002 Location: Roseville Michigan Country: USA USDA Zone: 5/6 AHS Heat Zone: ? Posts: 2,431	Yes there is a difference but the differences are more pronounced from species to species. Most deciduous trees respond better to being cut, though some professionals will pull off handfuls of leaves, a practice I don't recommend, it destroys a lot of buds. Some trees you can totally defoliate, some only partially, some not at all. Some have to have portions of the leaves left on the tree, others need only the petiole (leaf stem), and others yet it is a combination of all of the above depending on the vigor and age of the tree. __________________ The only finished bonsai is a dead one; me 1992 MABA Des Moines Iowa