Is there a happy medium?

Is there a middle ground for defoliation? To this point I have not removed anything outside of lower growth (and clearly didnt get enough of it yet). I had no plans of doing any defoliating but I also only planned for 4 plants, not 7.

It's like jungle in there! I would like to remove at least a little bit for airflow to prevent any mold. I'm just not exactly sure as to the best method to the madness. Any thoughts and tips appreciated.

How far along are you? I would defoliate all the largest fan leaves that are blocking bud sites that you can’t tuck if you’re past the stretch. I’m on my first grow but I believe that’s correct from what I’ve read and it’s what I did.

I like to keep around the top 30% of fan leaves on each stalk/plant while they are in full bloom. Seems to give good overall growth. Not sure what others will tell you, some people fully defoliate. I would take out fan leaves that are sitting in the shade of your canopy and being unproductive/wilting.

You might find this write-up helpful.

https://www.santyerbasi.com/en/blog/cannabis-defoliation/

I have read up on that site. I understand the concept of defoliation but I had no intention of doing it. I am roughly 2-3 weeks into flower (since pistils actually showed).

They are just so close together that I am worried about possible mold. I have a fairly strong fan above canopy on low and an osscilating fan blowing up through the plants from the bottom. My exhaust always runs. Theres plenty of circulation but I cant get humidity much below 55.

So essentially I would be fine just removing what i felt was necessary?