little,
Defoliation is an advanced technique that has more to do with increasing ramification than shrinking leaf size, although it can do that too. It is done on some types of trees and not on others. It is done on some types of maples, and not others. And it is always done on healthy, vigorous trees in order to develop better branching. I suggest you get a little more teaching under your belt before you attempt it.

Chris

Here is a link that might be useful: Sashi-eda Bonsai: Medium to Advanced techniques illustrated

You might also note that defoliation on some deciduous trees can result in LARGER leaves. This is true of some oak species in particular.

You should also note that you are placing an enormous amount of stress on the subject tree, requring it to expend twice the energy it normally would. As mentioned before this technique isn't aimed at getting smaller leaves. That's sometimes a by product. It's aimed, primarily at getting more twigs.

I would do any complete defoliation with caution. You can kill your trees doing this, or at least weaken them enough to have them die on you next spring.

I did my fair share of defoliation when I first got interested in bonsai. IMHO it seems a little unnecessary. If you are doing all the other things right, ramification will occur over time without such drastic measures and stress on the tree. I donÂt have the luxury of that kind of time when you consider the return you get from doing it. I've had trees along my creek develop great ramification after being brutalized with a .155 mm string trimmer. Just because one can do it doesnÂt necessarily mean one should.

IÂm sure those that style and train specimens for show or that have more training under their belt will disagree and tout its great benefit. IÂm happy for them. Keep up the good work.

randy

I agree with Randy...only super healthy trees defoliated at peak times will do anything to help you. Most of the time it slows the development of the tree. Your better off not doing it.

The most effective method to reduce leaf size in the long term is to expose the tree to the maximum amount of direct sun that the particlar species will tolerate.