defoliation of seedlings and bearing trees often occurs in July and August.
"Soil Culture"
J. H. Walden
Trees might resist the attacks of enemies and the destruction of their leaves for two or three years, but would be destroyed by a few additional seasons of defoliation.
"Animals of the Past"
Frederic A. Lucas
I have referred to the damage in my plum orchard at Aldington from the attack of the larvae of the winter-moth; the damage is not confined to the actual year of its occurrence, the crop suffers the following year owing to the previous defoliation of the tree, which is weakened and is unable to mature healthy fruit buds.
"Grain and Chaff from an English Manor"
Arthur H. Savory