Can I trim these leaves?

[Jason]

I've been cropping and trimming more than my first grow. But remain very hesitant. From what I see and read on GWE it should be OK to trim the larger
fan leaves, but I would like an opinion before I mess up. I'm in Week 7 of the GH 12 week schedule. Early Flower is what they call it.
Thank you in advance for some insights.

[Sheesh]

Some say never trim but many people defoliate, it's really up to you and a bunch of factors to consider. How is humidity and airflow? Are all the bud sights getting light or are some in shadows? Do you have leaves stacked on top of each other? Anyhow, here is my opinion from prior posts:

Here's my opinion: Strategically remove fan leaves that block bud sites. Try to only take one fan per pair. Don't remove any fans until they have .5 inches stem. If the strain is indica with fat leaves, remove more than a Sativa with thin leaves. If the plant has very tight node spacing, you may need to take more than if the nodes are separated a lot. Remove fans and growth on the lower portions of the plant. Make sure there is good airflow through the plant. Look at the plant from the top at a few angles. You should be able to see the base of the plant through the canopy but not a gaping hole. Those are my thoughts. Others have more and less aggressive methods. Find what works for you and remember you can always remove more leaves later but you can't put them back on . Oh yeah, see GWE for a good article on defoliating.

[Jason]

Thank you, Sheesh. I have your comments printed from a previous post. : )
I read it just about every day before my morning inspection.
I totally over defoliated my first plant in soil last summer. She never developed pistils. Then I went hydro and left my plants pretty much alone, except for cutting the fan leaves that were the size of my hand. I 've taken out quite a bit from the two girls I have going now. Just being a bit tightly wound I guess. Besides, if it wasn't complicated, I wouldn't do it.

[abadtrip]

Hi i am on my first grow so I don't have any experience I just wanted to show u how aggressive I defoliated 1 of my plants I am not saying this is right for you it's just what I did my plant loved it

http://forum.growweedeasy.com/forum/growing-community/107059-demolition-at-3rd-week-of-flower

[Jason]

Nice work. This girl is quite a bit farther along, into flower, thus my concern. I'm guessing when the shade bothers me, I'll trim a bit.

[abadtrip]

U could check this out https://youtu.be/TVAcwv4jtTc

[Jason]

Cool! Thanks. He did note that he wasn't sure of the benefit at that stage of flower. So it looks like you can take out fan leaves at any point in flower.
His late trim begs the question "Why wait so long?" If the goal is light on buds, earlier would have given more light sooner.
I think I'll keep reading Sheesh's criteria and take out the ones that are obviously blocking an adjacent bud.
I did very little defoliating on the first grow and the result was delicious. So this one should be better, unless I get too zealous.