hello everyone! ( and happy July 4th to Americans!)

I have a relatively small American Hornbeam that I wish to perform a
thread graft on. (Less that an inch where I plan the thread graft.) My
questions are as follows:
Is this the best time to perform thread grafts on hornbeam? How long
do hornbeams need for the branch to take? Would I still remove the leaves
from the branch even though hornbeam doesnt take kindly to defoliation?
I appreciate any and all responces!
Sam Williams
Zone 6b-7a

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