I have both Ulmus elegantissia and parvifloria and how do you defoliate
those tiny little leafs. BRBR

Ulmus elegantissima as well as U. procera (English elm) are now included in
Ulmus minor.
Chinese elm is U. parvifolia.
There is no reason to defoliate these species. The routine processes of
pinching & pruning will keep the leaves small enough.
Iris,
Central NY, Zone 5a, Sunset Zone 40
"If we see light at the end of the tunnel, It's the light of the oncoming
train."
Robert Lowell (1917-1977)