Old but New

[bowman]

Hi everybody, I'm brand new to the forum, I'm in my late '60s and I live in the Northeast. Believe it or not it's my first year of growing and on top of that, I'm just learning how to navigate this forum so hopefully I don't make any mistakes. I have a few questions I guess I'll post them in the proper spot.
Thanks for having me on board

 

[Imzzaudae]

Fire away!

 

[bowman]

Ok as you can see in the pictures these plants or bushes lol are getting quite big. I had someone else that is somewhat knowledgeable Tell me I needed to trim off most of the fan leaves.
So I guess my question is twofold, do I trim the leaves and if I do will that stress out the plant. Again keeping in mind that the trunk of these plants are bigger than a large fist

 

[jadins_journey]

Welcome my friend! There's a few rip apples spread amongst the members. myself included, of this forum so WELCOME.

Your pic didn't make it but defoliation is the current buzz word it seems for new growers. It has it's place but the plant has leaves for a purpose, to convert light to useable energy for the plant. Without that energy it cant utilize the nutrients, so the plant needs some leaves but it doesn't need all those interior leaves that don't get direct light and block air flow.

Defoliate sure, but leave some clothes on the girl

jj

 

[bowman]

Pictures are in the new discussion area