I think of defol as an art and a science. In my opinikn you shiukd onlt take leaves if they over crowd, if they overlay, if the block light from bud sites, but only if they have fully deployed. I have neuropathy so tucking isnt my friend its mostly a nuisance, but defol strategically at the beginning of flower and then week 3-4 was my secret sauce to larger yields. Just my reference, good luck and happy growing!