Don't take off the leaves, they'll go when they're ready unless they are long time dead, then you could do it. It's not like a conifer that loses 'last years' leaves' and elms often keep them over the winter though it's hard to predict which ones will do that.

Your tree will go dormant if it is placed in a protected place where the temp remains between 20-40F. This could be a garage or storage shed. It should not be allowed to dry out completely but should not be soaking wet. Light is not critical as it will loose its leaves and photosynthesis will stop anyway. Good luck, Jack

Thank you Jack,,I am glad some people are still active here.use to be really good here but people just stopped posting. i will do the best i can with the temp it is snowing today. thanks john w.va.