English Oak Defoliation?

[Mac In Oak Ridge]

Anyone have any experience with defoliation of English Oak?

Can it be done and expect leaves to come back?

Can it be done to encourage back budding, if so, does it work?

 

[Beng]

I've fully defoliated Quercus Robur twice in a season. Leaves reduce considerably each time.

Ben

 

[Mac In Oak Ridge]

Many thanks Ben. Did you see budding back also as a result?
Mac

 

[Beng]

Many thanks Ben. Did you see budding back also as a result?
Mac

I did but not to the extend many species back bud. I got a great backbud last year after defoliation way down the trunk. Just make sure the trees healthy and you didn't repot it this year.

 

[Mac In Oak Ridge]

Got it. It's healthy but in early spring I reduced the roots from a 5 gal. nursery container to fit into a bonsai pot. I'll let it go this year and keep it well fertilized.

 

[Beng]

Got it. It's healthy but in early spring I reduced the roots from a 5 gal. nursery container to fit into a bonsai pot. I'll let it go this year and keep it well fertilized.

Good plan the more above soil growth the better this year. Let the leaves get huge the tree will live a long happy life this way. One insult per year is almost always safe, two and your pushing your luck.