Defoliation: a second, smaller set of leaves

Removing a healthy tree's leaves sounds destructive; done at the right time on the right tree it is a reset button. Take the leaf blade only, scissors close to the base, and leave the petiole to drop on its own — pulling it tears the bud behind it. The tree responds with a second flush of smaller leaves and finer ramification, which is the point: better proportion for the trunk's size and a fuller look going into the next season. Only ever do this to a tree in full health and vigour, water well afterwards, and keep it out of hard sun until the new leaves harden.