Would you avoid defoliating a tree in development? I've heard it proposed for promoting interior growth and backbudding, both of which seem useful for development as well. I suppose it depends on the specifics of what you're trying to develop, as I can see how it sets a tree back from thickening, but not from ramifying.
If im satisfied with the trunk and im building a branch structure, I will sometimes partially defoliate leaves in the crown to allow more light and energy into lower branches im trying to thicken up, or I might just remove the large leaves in the crown or cut them in half. If im building trunks as in some of my recent projects, I wont remove any leaves at all.
No ideas bro, I just slip potted the tree in the spring. Should have taken some pics after the defoliation.
Thanks so much, this is great clarification on what you mean by refinement vs development, and is very much in line with my understanding of the first principles of defoliation.
Well… I know it’s a maple lol just don’t know exactly what type, I like to defoliate so I can see the trunk and branches better to do some cut back and wire if necessary and shorten internode. Thanks Bobby!
I doubt this is true. Here I find more than 50% non-grafted plants in regular stores and the bonsai stores I go to hardly ever sell grafted material. It could be a regional thing.
but you live in europe, here in the states things are way different. You can buy a deshojo on its own roots at your local nursery where as here you either pay $800+ at an auction or you airlayer it if you can find a grafted one. I ve spent 5 years trying to get a deshojo and finally got one grafted in a one gallon container from mr maple.
