Defoliating Japanese Maple

[Chris85]

From the posts I’ve read on here I’m a little confused and there seem to be conflicting thoughts on whether or not defoliating helps to thicken a trunk faster.

What I currently have is an Acer Palmatum still in he nursery pot. I bought it this year and wanted to wait (at least) until next winter to get it into training. All I’m currently trying to do is let it do it’s thing to grow thicker/taller and healthier before I do any repotting. Primarily I want to be sure of this trees particular needs and signs before causing any stress from the process of bonsai (because I will likely make mistakes).

The leaves are in okay shape with the exception of slight sunburn in a few spots and aphids (which my lady bugs will take care of soon enough). Definitely nothing detrimental though.

That being said, should I bother with defoliation in its current state? Or am I better off to leave it?

 

[Dav4]

Defoliation will absolutely not assist in trunk thickening. Trunk thickening and lengthening is done through unbridled growth.

 

[Chris85]

Defoliation will absolutely not assist in trunk thickening. Trunk thickening and lengthening is done through unbridled growth.

All the clarity I needed ???? Thanks!

 

[SilverioSan]

I would like to join this thread if I may and ask something else which I think make sense but I am looking for the confirmation and the question is would defoliation increase branch?
My answer would be yes am I correct?
I am also trying to understand how to manage the internode length and so my question would be after I am happy with the trunk thickness, do I necessarily need to cut back to the shortest internode?

Thank you!

 

[KiwiPlantGuy]

I would like to join this thread if I may and ask something else which I think make sense but I am looking for the confirmation and the question is would defoliation increase branch?
My answer would be yes am I correct?
I am also trying to understand how to manage the internode length and so my question would be after I am happy with the trunk thickness, do I necessarily need to cut back to the shortest internode?

Thank you!

Hi SilverioSan,
See @Dav4 , for his comment re defoliation.
As far as I have read, defoliation is only practiced on trees in Refinement, AFTER you have built at least 3 segments of trunks over the space of a minimum of 5 years.
If you have bought a bonsai that has already been grown for trunks and BRANCHES, then yes you can defoliate for greater back budding. Internode length is based on withholding fertilizer, I think.
Look forward to others, and happy to corrected.
Charles