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Highwaymantechforcer t1_irs7lyj wrote

Reply to comment by bitemark01 in Is there an evolutionary reason behind deciduous trees’ vibrant fall colours? by Team_Ed

Complete defoliation of a bonsai maple can be performed in late June to encourage a full second flush of smaller leaves in a beautiful deep red colour, the tree has more than enough stored energy to do this. It only takes around 4 weeks to get back to a full dense canopy. Not recommended every year as it does consume energy but you can do it every few years. I assume a full size maple can withstand a similar treatment, certain seems so according to your observations.

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phred14 t1_irsr35m wrote

We had a major spongy moth caterpillar problem this year, hitting mostly oak, but our crabapple and a few other trees as well. All refoliated. I had wondered about the metabolic costs and trade-off, thanks.

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phred14 t1_irw7pax wrote

I forgot one exception. We have a white oak, and I've been told that they're wonderful trees to have. So I worked hard at keeping it clear of caterpillars, with some success. It partially refoliated where there was more damage, but kept on with the lightly damaged leaves. An interesting question in how much damage calls for refoliation.

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