japanese maple

Is it too late to defoliat maples to get another set of leaves for the fall ??? Thank you John

Hi John,
My experience with defoliating at this time of year is that its a hit and miss thing... if your tree has been well fed this year and is in great condition, it would probably do all right. However, I have some trees that are acting like its Fall now, dropping leaves; both landscape and bonsai. I am seeing this more and more after long heat waves which we are experiencing now.

hi,
It depends what you are looking to achieve - I really see the point of defoliating as a way to get new fine branches forming where you only have paired leaves. further back on bare wood you hope for new buds too so branches can be cut back in future years. If your growing season is long enough to harden off the new growth that will form in 4-6 weeks time then go ahead - i did one 2 weeks ago but it will sit in the greenhouse to get as much growing time as possible.

if you only want new tidy leaves you will get them ok - they may be larger leaves though, that tends to happen when trees are defoliated late as the buds at the leaf base are very well formed.

cheers Marcus

Thank you Todd and Marcus for your replys.. my leaves are a little burned and i would love to have more side branches is why i asked.. I think i will try it.. thanks take care john

I have defoliated maples in July successfully, and I am farther north than you.
Iris

moyogijohn wrote:Thank you  Todd and Marcus for your replys..  my leaves are a little burned and i would love to have more side branches is why i asked.. I think i will try it.. thanks take care   john

good man !! it is only by doing bonsai that you will make a good bonsai!

imperative though is to protect the tree from the moment of defoliation - normally leaves appear in spring with lower light, lower temperatures and shorter days - they then harden off gradually as spring becomes summer.........now you will have new leaves forming in full summer - make sure the tree gets absolutely no wind, light shade would be good and don't over water, just enough to keep it damp - remove all fertiliser too or the leaves will be massive - re-feed once leaves are hardened to prepare tree for autumn and winter

the tree will be fine and you will probably have perfect leaves until October or even early november

cheers Marcus

Thanks both of you !! I will move the trees to more shade watch water also.. i just want to try this to see what i get... thanks take care john