Hello,

I have just recently learned of this technique. I currently have a ficus and forsythia (just started).

Am I correct in assuming the smaller leaf effect obtained by defoliation is temporary, and that the leaves will continue to grow to their normal size?
If so, does this mean that, to achieve the small-leaf effect, one has to have their tree fairly bare for a while every year?

Thanks!

If you have young plants, this is not a suitable technique. It is ONLY for very ferined trees that get so dense that you need to open them up to no loose small branchlets. The smaller leaves is a bonus.

I have successfully defoliated a very healthy mature Ficus (18years old), for 2 years in a row.
Remember Ficus is a very resistant plant and a tropical, and as I live in a tropical country that was not risky at all.
The leaves reduced considerably and kept small throughout the next season.

Thanks very much! I'll think I'll have to try