live and learn..
Who told you that these were wasting any energy? There are many valid reasons for removing leaves under the canopy that are not going to get light, and for trimming off shoots that will never reach canopy height so that energy is not spent in developing those buds. Removing a leaf that is producing sugars and energy for the plant, as well as storing up nutrients for future needs, should be avoided if possible. In late veg, right before going to flower, a lot of people will trim almost all growth below the canopy for added airflow, and to concentrate energy to the top buds... but any leaves that are getting good light are helping you to produce your final yield... remove them at your own risk.
@Icetech I'm right here with you on the trimming dilemma, my girls are squat little tangled messes with ALOT of shaded leaves and off shoots! My friend told me leave 4 or 5 nodes on your main shoots, clear the rest below, but I'm not sure when and the thought pretty much terrifies me to cut those cute little shoots. I know I can try and clone them but I'm not quite knowledgeable or set up for that and already have seedlings going for another grow (too early, too many, germination obsession is a bad thing). Before I do anything I guess I need to get my shit together on cloning. I might have some surplus LA Confidential's here soon MI growers!
Well I nutted up (no offense ladies) and started chopping. Much cleaner now!
