So if you have trees with full leafy crowns, get out there and get stuck in!
This is a golden elm.
You can see that sunlight is only hitting the outer foliage layer. If I leave it as is, the inner branches will soon begin to die off. A disaster we must avoid as much as possible.
An hour later. Now we can look right into the tree again which means light is penetrating. If it grows vigorously again over the next couple of months (which it should do if fed properly) , this will have to be repeated. Boring but unfortuately necessary.
There is no need to defoliate completely. The inner leaves can be/should be left.
The outer, stronger leaves should be cut off completely and the stem shortened. Intermediate strength ones cut in half or 2 thirds off.
All maples, elms, wisteria etc; Even junipers and eventually pines too will need thinning. In fact almost everything!
Have fun
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