Managing neglected trees

[Ali Bubba]

So, as another thread mentioned a few days ago, it's not a good idea to have to rely on others to care for your trees. Unfortunately, I had no choice this week as I tore my knee up and was out of commission for three days. This is the result.
Should I defoliate the Brazilian at this point? Would I be weakening the tree more? It's a large tree that I have been growing out for many years (was just about to chop and style it for the first time). As you can see, it's largely crispy from severe drought. A ton of the leaves have already dropped. Miraculously, some leaves are still alive and their doesn't seem to be any dead branches.
No choice on the green island, as once they turn that yellow, a stiff breeze will completely defoliate it.

 

[Shibui]

You were planning to chop the BRT so I would go ahead with that chop. I've often cut back drought affected stock and had great results with regrowth. Branches appear to be alive so the damage is not severe. Rather than further weakening the tree it concentrates regrowth in areas that you can use later.

 

[Ali Bubba]

You were planning to chop the BRT so I would go ahead with that chop. I've often cut back drought affected stock and had great results with regrowth. Branches appear to be alive so the damage is not severe. Rather than further weakening the tree it concentrates regrowth in areas that you can use later.

OK, thanks a bunch.