1650s, noun of action from past participle stem of Late Latin defoliare "shed leaves," from de- (see de-) + folium "leaf" (see folio).

Defoliation generally occurs during foliage where the plants, trees or shrubs lose all of their leaves and prepare for the winter frost.

The loss of leaves from trees and shrubs.

Leaf pruning, whereby some or all of the leaves are removed to encourage new shoots and smaller leaves which can greatly increase ramification.

The process when a plant looses all its leaves.

The unnatural loss of a plant's leaves, generally to the detriment of its health. Can be caused by high winds, excessive heat, drought, frost, chemicals, insects, or disease.

(n) the loss of foliage(n) causing the leaves of trees and other plants to fall off (as by the use of chemicals)

removal of foliage, often directly by arthropods with chewing mouthparts or indirectly by the stressed plant responding to aphids, mites, scales, etc. Drought and flood can also cause the effect and d [..]

The unnatural loss of a plant's leaves, generally to the detriment of its health. Can be caused by high winds, excessive heat, drought, frost, chemicals, insects, or disease.

The separation of ripened leaves from a branch or stem; the falling or shedding of the leaves.