Ideal time to defoliate

[Naimul]

Hi guys,

I was wondering when might be a good time to defoliate my Chinese elm, and perhaps even my Japanese maple. I'm mainly concerned about the erratic weather in Sydney as of late. One moment its baking hot, then its gale force winds. I feel that the trees might struggle to bring out new growth when it gets very hot, and i am already experiencing horrible windburn (i think that's what its called) on all new and existing growth on all of my trees. Growth has also slowed down considerably.

thanks in advance.

[Isitangus]

The question is what is the main purpose of defoliation? Leaf size reduction/removal of damaged leaves etc? I'm no expert but if its only to remove damaged leaves and get "a new flush I wouldn't defoliate.

[thugdeezee]

I defoliated a elm the other day and it was budding back in a couple days. im in qld but i figure the weather has been much the same as you described......
i heard maples can be a little more sensitive though so cant help you with them.

[Naimul]

The question is what is the main purpose of defoliation? Leaf size reduction/removal of damaged leaves etc? I'm no expert but if its only to remove damaged leaves and get "a new flush I wouldn't defoliate.

sorry forgot to mention, I am defoliating for branch development. I have been reading that defoliating for a second period of growth really speeds up ramification process and whatnot.

I defoliated a elm the other day and it was budding back in a couple days. im in qld but i figure the weather has been much the same as you described......
i heard maples can be a little more sensitive though so cant help you with them.

If i do go about defoliating ill do it to my elm first, use it as a guinea pig