In a message dated 9/6/2004 5:12:34 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
writes:

On a similar note I have another Acer that I have been trying to reduce the
leaf size for years. Its a standard Acer, pretty healthy. Every year I
defoliate, every year they come back as big as ever!


I am not sure what a "standard Acer" is since there are many varieties of
Maple and a number of "Japanese" Maples.
But, try this, instead of defoliating, do a lot of tip pruning. Allow only
the first leaves to emerge and pinch the growing tip. The leaves below the pinch
may stop growing while the plant develops a new growing point. This requires
a lot of attention, almost daily.

Billy on the Florida Space Coast

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