To defoliate or preserve beneficial insects

[Frostyfire]

Started working on defoliating my 2 in ground plants and was finding what I think and hope are green lacewing eggs. I haven’t found any major pest issues but don’t want to disturb things. On the other hand I’d prefer to not get powdery mildew. Any input would be appreciated. I grow in north eastern USA so humidity is a concern this time of year.

 

[THCosmic]

You can try spreading out the branches first. Tie them down to the wooden posts or to each other. Then you can figure out what truly needs to be defoliated.