Abstract

ABSTRACT

LARSEN, F.E., G.S. ARBUSREWIL, and R. FRITTS, JR. 1982. Defoliating trees before digging. Am. Nurseryman 156(8): 37-39.

Field-grown, deciduous nursery stock is commonly slow to defoliate in fall, when it is to be dug, because of heavy fertilizer and water use in the nursery throughout the growing season. In areas where low temperatures pose a threat to the stock or hinder digging (if growers wait for natural defoliation), early leaf removal by hand stripping or mechanical means is common. Manual or mechanical defoliation is typically done early enough to allow digging just prior to the average date of the onset of temperatures that could damage stock or prevent digging. The threat of damaging cold weather may encourage growers to allow plenty of leeway for defoliation. The effects of early leaf removal vary from year to year, depending on stock maturity and condition, cultural factors, and weather. However, it appears that the process of accumulating carbohydrate reserves is not complete until nature is allowed to take its course and produce a “normal” leaf fall. Delay defoliation as long as possible in relation to the average expected weather conditions. Otherwise, plant quality and performance after storage could be reduced.