Yes, you can reduce leaf size. In order to do so you have to ratify branch structure. So, here is step by step:
- In the late winter/early spring you remove all main single buds. They will be swollen and sticky with sap at that time.
- two opposite buds that were below the main bud will start producing opposite branches. Let those opposite branches grow. Each one will produce two, or more sets of leaves. Allow those leaves to mature somehow. By now it will be probably end of May/ early June.
- prune newly created each branch to just past the first set of leaves.
- defoliate that pair of leaves.
- keep your tree in light shade.
Repeat this process year after year. After a few years your tree will develop many branches. The nodes will be reduced, and so will leaf sizes. At this stage you will be very satisfied with your tree leaves, However, some of the leaves will have the tendency to grow large. Defoliate them as the spring and summer progresses.
Of course, you will have to prune and shape your chestnut tree to keep it in satisfactory shape.
This method works very well for me. I’m located on Vancouver Island.