trimming weed

Trimming Weed – More than Aesthetics

Trimming weed may sound like another difficult step in an already (if you’re a beginner) arduous process, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth.

If you want your buds to look like they’re dispensary level quality, then trimming weed is an essential component of the weed growing process.

Even if you don’t really care for the aesthetics behind the bud that you’re going to end up grinding up anyway, we’re here to tell you today that trimming weed goes beyond appearances.

Properly trimmed weed smokes better, hits harder and tastes nicer. 

Here’s why trimming weed is important and you start the trimming weed process to get some AAAA looking bud!

Trimming Weed – The Importance of Pruning Buds

trimming weed guide

There are 3 reasons why you shouldn’t skip out on trimming your buds.

They are:

1) Appearance

2) Improved smoking experience

3) Improved potency

Even if you don’t care about how your bud might look, the potency of the bud and overall experience of smoking it will be heavily impacted by the trimming process. 

Weed looks better when it’s trimmed – that goes without saying, but trimming weed also removes some of the less desirable parts of the bud that won’t get you high and tastes bitter.

When buds are growing, there’s an abundance of foliage around the nug that helps the plant absorb sunlight for photosynthesis. These leaves, known as sugar leaves, contain a marginal amount of THC and CBD and a large amount of chlorophyll.

You can imagine how including these into your joint or bowl can leave a foul taste in your mouth! Trimming the bud ensures that these leaves are removed, meaning that your joint/bowl will be more potent while also providing a smoother experience. 

Trimming Weed Guide

So, there are two types of trims you could do. The wet trim or the dry trim. Some growers like to trim their plants before drying them, and others like to wait until after the buds have already dried. 

Ideally, you’ll want to remove most or all of the large fan leaves with your fingers before drying. You could also hang the whole plant upside down without any trimming whatsoever.

The dry trim

The dry trim method is for times when you are growing in a low humidity location (preferably below 45% relative humidity) and if you want your buds to dry more slowly and be more dense.

The wet trim

This method of trimming is best used if you’re concerned about mold or are growing in a location with high humidity (above 60% Relative Humidity). You could also use the dry trim if you have a lot of buds drying in a small space or if you want your buds to dry more quickly.

Note: Using the wet trim method will yield a more vibrant coloured bud, while the dry trim method yields denser buds and less colored buds.

Setting up your trimming area

Proper preparation is paramount to successfully trimming your plants. Ideally you’d want to set up in a location that is comfortable and open. Trimming is a lengthy process that can also be a little bit messy. Ensure you are not trimming on carpeted floors and there is proper ventilation as pruning can create an enormous amount of odour. 

For easier clean up, set up a tarp or similar covering around the floor to collect all of the excess plant matter.

Getting started

trimming weed steps

You don’t need a lot to get start the trimming weed process, but having the following could make the entire ordeal a bit more palatable and comfortable for you and anybody else who might be helping.

Here’s what we recommend:

  • Sharp scissors – You’ll want to look for sharp scissors that have a comfort grip so you can cut for long periods of time. We recommend having 2 – one for the bud and one for the branches
  • Clean, well-ventilated and clutter-free workspace 
  • A tray or tarp to collect the falling plant matter
  • Cleaning supplies to clean up after the weed trimming
  • Latex-free gloves – you’re handing bud for long periods of time so your hands are bound to get covered in kief

Trimming Weed – Step By Step

Remove Fan Leaves

The first step is to remove the leaves which aren’t attached to the bud and aren’t covered in trichomes. Basically, any large leaf that’s not connected to the central bud and isn’t covered in kief can be removed.

Remove buds from branches

With the fan leaves removed, you can now remove the buds from the larger branches. If you have another sturdier pair of scissors like we recommended you to get, now would be a good time to use them. Allow yourself some margin of error – don’t cut too close to the stem – this can always be trimmed down further at a later time.

Start from the bottom up 

Grabbing the bud by the stem with one hand and with a pair of scissors in the other, slowly snip away at the bud’s pistils (hairs) and excess foliage while rotating the bud in your hand. You want to aim for a conical shape that’s similar to a pinecone. Ensure that the stem is only exposed at the bottom of the bud and once you’re satisfied with how the bud looks, trim the stem down as well.

And that’s it! 

We will admit that trimming weed is actually not a difficult process – the true difficulty lies in trimming weed for hours on end while you work your way through the harvest. It only takes 3 steps to properly trim bud but to trim an entire harvest or yield? That might be a bit more difficult.

Final Thoughts on Trimming Weed

Trimming weed is different from pruning plants, but both are required in order to have a presentable and high-quality product. Before you take matters into your own hands, decide which style of trimming you’d like to do and plan out a proper work area with the proper equipment. Your hands and back will thank you later! 

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