Welcome Aboard Bonsai Nut Bob!
Good question. Sharps are notorious for piling on tight foliage.
To start with it really helps us to help you if a couple things are added to your posts.
First double click on your icon, then account details and enter approximate location and USDA Zone the tree is in.
Second, please add an image. Use the attach files button on the bottom of t(e window and click to add full image so we can really see the tree in question.
Absent these information here’s a general reply.
One could randomly take off leaves, yet the tree is just getting used to your location and care regime…. Would just let the tree grow for a month to be sure it’s healthy. That way you’ve lightly fertilized once (in two weeks) and if something happens you’ll know it was something about the tree, rather than something you did.
Then could merely do a partial defoliation. In this technique one shortens the tree up to the desired profile if it has a profile, taking of the extensions and larger leaves to allow light and circulation in the canopy. Can be done on trees in some stages of development.
Let’s take a look at a good example a Sharp’s ready for this type of cutback… or not. In this example a Sharp’s is being grown out in a temporary growing container after being dug out this spring. It had a severe cut back the year before.
In this case, one can remove the extensions to the profile and selectively remove the outer, more vigorous foliage. This will allow the interior leaves to get sun and increase circulation. However, if the tree is in development this method can stop or slow down growth.
Or not. In these cases it may be best to merely let the tree grow all summer and 2 weeks to a month (depending on the area) before leaf drop, hedge prune the tree and once the leaves have fallen, selectively prune when one can actually see the silhouette… be sure to seal all cuts.
Or wait until the next year when the leaves have hardened off and selectively prune then.
This method is often used in development to bulk out the tree.
Cheers
DSD sends
