Will_Heath

Good Point Matt, However, I am often confused on this very subject.

Since I need root growth now and since I have a unbalanced amount of leaves and thereby an increased water loss though the stomata as water vapor diffuses out. The trees solution should be to increase the number of roots that are taking up water. That is if i can count on the feedback controls of the tree to recognized water stress in the leaves and stop leaf growth and continue root growth until the tree is once again in balance. Although being so late in the year I am worried that not enough photosynthate will be stored for growth in the spring.

However, as you suggest if I cut back now, this will bring the tree closer to a root/leave balance, decrease water stress, and use little photosynthate as wounds heal. My only concern would be obtaining enough needed root growth before winter.