Leaf pruning.

[Craig.a.c]

With all the great info I have come across about caring for and growing bonsai, the one thing I can't seem to find detailed info on is leaf pruning.
Do you prune the leaf where it comes off at the branch or at the base of the leaf itself? (Sorry if that is a very stupid question, but as they say "the only stupid question is a question not asked")

Cheers - Craig.

[anttal63]

Hey craig, base of the leaf, always leave the petiole on. Species with no petiole, leave the base of the leaf.

[Craig.a.c]

Hey craig, base of the leaf, always leave the petiole on. Species with no petiole, leave the base of the leaf.

Cheers, thanks for that.

[Craig.a.c]

So for a Japanese maple I would prune at the base of the leaf and leave the petiole (the part the leaf grows from)?

[shibui]

Yes, leave the leaf stem. Just cut off the flat part of the leaf. The petiole (leaf stem) will fall off naturally after a while.
Its getting a bit late in the season for leaf pruning in southern Aus now. Do leaf pruning in late spring - mid summer for deciduous trees.

[Craig.a.c]

Yes, leave the leaf stem. Just cut off the flat part of the leaf. The petiole (leaf stem) will fall off naturally after a while.
Its getting a bit late in the season for leaf pruning in southern Aus now. Do leaf pruning in late spring - mid summer for deciduous trees.

Thanks for the info. I wasn't going to prune it now, just wanted to know where to prune it when the time comes.

[craigw60]

Another good method is to cut the leaf in half or in the case of maples just cut off the lobes this will allow the light to get into the branches and also keep the tree moving.

[DCD]

I'm very new to this craft and wanted to know if you should or shouldn't cut off dead leaves ?

[craigw60]

Hi DCD, you can cut off the dead leaves any time your tree will look much better for it.
Craig