I had branches that were like small bats but I broke them down to smaller buds so I could remove all the stems and leaves properly you dont have to do this but its the leaves "even the lil ones" that make the weed a harsh smoke for me I choose quality over quantity and having the wow factor of "huge" buds, It makes curing better too because it allows air flow around the buds. Too each his own. I am not saying one ways better then another. Just sharing what I have been doin