[Keif Stoned]

Running some Sour Diesel IBL and ran out of room flower for the 5 girls, so 2 had to go under my 400watt T5s and required some LST. I've ended up with a lot of fan leaves that have dropped below the canopy, probably too far down for light penetration to reach. Just wanting opinions about when to remove fan leaves if at all. I'm about 2 weeks into flower, and some of the lower branches look stunted. This is the first time I've used my T5s for the entire flower cycle and I want to give these the best chance possible to do well.

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I'm thinking the fans are just dead weight, not getting enough light to contribute anything and are just using up nutrients.

Thanks, would appreciate anyone's thoughts and opinions.

[starke]

I have recently begun defoliating at 21 days of flower, removing all lower growth/fans/popcorn that are not receiving light. I will be doing so on my current grow this Sunday and will put up some pics.

[Keif Stoned]

Thanks for the feedback Starke. I've actually removed the very lowest growth on these already, but wasn't confident about how far up to go. I plan to hit a few buds with a little dust from a nice male SD from this same grow and wanted to keep some of the lower branches for that purpose. I'll be watching for your plants to see how intensive you go with the defoliation.

[troutman]

Removing the bottom growth allows for better air circulation and less place for bugs to hide.

[Paddi]

Originally Posted by Keif Stoned

Just wanting opinions about when to remove fan leaves if at all.

I do it all the time

P

[Skunkpassion]

As above all the time, helps stay on top of things..

Or if youre a figure of routine and schedule
Day 1 of flower
Day 21 of flower
Day 40 of flower

[Gry]

I use a trellised set up as described by Marlo in his Wall of Weed thread.
I go with stacked 600/400 lights.
I do an aggressive strip 7 -10 days after the flip. A lighter 'clean up' is done on or near day 21.
I use OG and Bubba for strains.

Thoughts ... I do a lot of stem manipulation - super cropping - along the way, works out well.
I am relentless with the initial strip- poor things look like plucked birds after.
The second time I mostly tuck and tie back foliage between buds and bulbs.
Defoliation results in even quality and bud development top to bottom.
I look forward to being able to replace my lights with LEDs.
PPK leads the way.

[Keif Stoned]

Appreciate the quick replies. I decided to go ahead with the first trim and will do a second maybe in a week or so. They sure look cleaner and more open to light and airflow just for the lite clipping.

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Didn't want to be too aggressive with the first time, looks like that's how you all are doing the same work. I have 3 more of these girls under HPS that need this done also.

thanks again, Keif