Pluck vs Cut Leaf Stem

[jomawa]

Have read about the benefit of "removing" leaves (lately in regards to removing those fall leaves that haven't dropped yet) Am specifically wondering:
"Is there damage done to the remaining bud by grabbing the leaf stem and plucking?" vs.
"Is cutting the leaf stem the best/proper way to remove leaves, leaving the remaining stub to fall on it's own?"
"Is the timing and benefit or end result of removing leaves the same, whether done during spring/summer/fall (to encourage growth/back bud)?"
"If cutting leaves off, is there any real difference, based on how much leaf stem stub is left on the plant, (does it matter if leaf stem is cut close to the bud or the leaf)?"

 

[leatherback]

Have read about the benefit of "removing" leaves (lately in regards to removing those fall leaves that haven't dropped yet) Am specifically wondering:
"Is there damage done to the remaining bud by grabbing the leaf stem and plucking?" vs.

In some cases, yet. In fall, as the leaves have started to turn colour, normally it is not a problem to pull (But I would leave them, and let nature decide when it is ready to let go..

"Is cutting the leaf stem the best/proper way to remove leaves, leaving the remaining stub to fall on it's own?"

Is is a better way then just pulling; Let risk of damage (Bud, but also the stem itself; Letter the plant close the wound gives a better closing, in my opinion)

"Is the timing and benefit or end result of removing leaves the same, whether done during spring/summer/fall (to encourage growth/back bud)?"

No. Backbudding through leave removal will not work when the plant is shutting down for winter.

"If cutting leaves off, is there any real difference, based on how much leaf stem stub is left on the plant, (does it matter if leaf stem is cut close to the bud or the leaf)?"

If the main leaf area is removed, the plant will drop the stalk, no matter how long you leave it.

 

[sorce]

There is a sweet spot right at the base of the leaf where you can use a thumb nail to cut em off.

Leaf removal Will allow a dormant bud where the leaf was removed to grow...
But not necessarily induce backbudding.


Sorce

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Horticulturally, a plant walls off the leaf by closing the vascular connection in the petiole, causing the leaf to lose its green color, which reveals the fall colors.. When that happens, the leaf is no longer part of the plant, and the leaves may be removed. Regardless how much petiole you leave, it's all dead and will eventually drop off from where it's connected to the stem. Dead leaf removal is not a balancing or bud-activating technique. It is simply a full maintenance task.

Some trees' petioles rip the stem when removed too soon. This is what you need to watch for. There is a dormant bud at the base of most petioles. Look and see if it is damaged when you pull off a leaf. If it's not, you can strip them away with your hands. Maples and elms give up their leaves readily. Beech and hornbeam tend to damage the stem if pulled too soon.

 

[JudyB]

Maples and elms give up their leaves readily. Beech and hornbeam tend to damage the stem if pulled too soon.

This.^^
Know your plant and how hard it is to pull them off. Your plant will tell you...