Beech Defoliation - bonsaiTALK Community

9-Jul-2004

Treebeard

Tree herder

Join Date: Aug-2002

Location: Maidenhead

Country: England

USDA Zone: 8b

AHS Heat Zone: ?

Posts: 2,200

Beech Defoliation

Almost everywhere I have read about defoliation says that Beech (fagus) do not respond well to the proceedure.

But, nowhere says what the bad response is. I've done beech defoliation before, so I know what to expect, but for those who haven't, here is a picture that explains things.

This healthy beech had the growing tips pinched back to 2 leaves as soon as each shoot had 4 or 5 leaves on it. Then, after 1 month it was completely defoliated. 2 months on from the defoliation, here are the results, not pretty. Compare with the tree in the background for normal beech leaves.

The proceedure did have the desired effect though. Quite a few buds that just would not open year after year have now been forced open. I have about 20% more active shoots now than before the leaf-cut, giving me a bit more to play in the design.

Regards,

Chris.

Attached Images

beech.jpg (62.8 KB, 121 views)

__________________
"Do not be hasty, that is my motto"
-JRR Tolkien, The Two Towers.
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9-Jul-2004	#2
Adam_MA bonsaiTALK Master Chief Join Date: Sep-2003 Location: Eastern MA Country: U.S.A USDA Zone: Zone6 AHS Heat Zone: ? Posts: 1,158	Next year will these leaves come back at the normal size? Adam

9-Jul-2004	#3
Treebeard Tree herder Join Date: Aug-2002 Location: Maidenhead Country: England USDA Zone: 8b AHS Heat Zone: ? Posts: 2,200	Adam, no they should come back slightly smaller, and they will all be a more uniform size. Regards, Chris. __________________ "Do not be hasty, that is my motto" -JRR Tolkien, The Two Towers. ----------------------------------- christopherguise.co.uk

9-Jul-2004	#4
jeremy_norbury bonsaiTALK Master Chief Join Date: Sep-2003 Location: Amstelveen Country: Netherlands USDA Zone: 8 AHS Heat Zone: 2-3 Posts: 1,379	At my last bonsai club meeting there was a talk and demo of defoliation. There it was also stated not to do this to beeches...hormbeams ok though. I defoliated three Hornbeam and now I have new growth. At the same time I defoliated my large japanese Maple - and still not a sign of anything. (I'm worried as hell)... Jerry __________________ All I ask is the chance to prove that money can't make me happy. Spike Milligan I told you I was ill. Spike Milligan's Gravestone

9-Jul-2004	#5
Attila Attila Soos Join Date: Jan-2002 Location: Los Angeles, California Country: USA Posts: 1,932	I remember that years ago one of my first blunders (amongst many) was to defoliate a beech after severe pruning. The tree was dead within two weeks.

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