I’ve already topped my plants and now they are starting to get really bushy. Should I trim off a lot of the sugar leaves?
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First of all, welcome here @exit420Az, don’t cut off the sugar leaves. The only thing you cut off are large leaves that block light from the growth underneath. It would be good if you could upload a picture. More info means better tips.
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I always judge it by if I can see through the plant. Put your hand in the middle of the plant and if you can’t see it, thin it out. Never take off sugar leaves. Only leaves with a stem
Good luck 
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The short answer is no, you don’t want to trim off the sugar leaves right now. Looking at your photos, your plants are in a healthy vegetative stage. What you are seeing develop are actually fan leaves and new shoot growth from your topping, rather than true sugar leaves. True sugar leaves are the small, resin-coated leaves that develop inside the actual bud sites during the flowering stage.
Since your plants are getting nice and bushy in veg, you do want to manage that canopy, but the strategy is a bit different. Here is a breakdown of what to focus on right now to optimize your growth.
What to Do Instead: (Strategic Defoliation)
Instead of a major trim, you want to practice selective defoliation to improve airflow and light penetration. Here is how to approach it:
1. Clear the “Underbelly” (Lollipopping)
Remove the lowest, oldest fan leaves and any tiny, weak looking bud sites/branches near the base of the main stalk.
This redirects the plant’s energy upward to the main canopy where your light hits strongest.
2. Tuck Before You Cut
Before cutting upper leaves that are shading lower growth, try simply tucking them downward or behind the new shoots. This keeps the leaf intact to continue feeding the plant while opening up the path for light.
3. Remove “Light Blockers”
If tucking doesn’t work and a massive upper fan leaf is completely casting a shadow over a major new tops/growth node underneath, go ahead and snip it. Only take a few at a time so you don’t shock the plant.
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A very good explanation of the topic. Only one point concerns me. If you place the leaves behind other shoots, the leaves will touch, resulting in condensation accumulating at these spots due to evaporation. Since shoots/leaves touch, the water will not evaporate from these spots due to the airflow, and the spots will remain wet. This creates hotspots where germs and bacteria spread, increasing the risk of diseases or mold. One should always ensure that the leaves can move freely in the wind so that the evaporated water can be carried away by the airflow.
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Good morning, could you tell me where you see all these images and information to go study there? Thank you ..
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Sure, I read books, search the internet for info, and I’m also active on Instagram. I took a few screenshots from the latter, thinking I might use them sometime. Sometimes a good picture or diagram says more than many words.
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