they are pretty well open to air circulation, I have broken/bent branches so they get circulation. I will try to clean up the ground around them, but enjoyed the mix of vegetation for stealth. As far as the fungicide goes- the guy from grow annex stated that it is systematic and will prevent bud rot from occuring later in the season. I am only going to apply it once, I think it is early enough in the season, but dont think it would be safe later in flowering. The product is eagle ew20 and doesnt come highly reccommended in many forums, however, the guy from the shop said that it has helped save amany crops, and turned people fortunes around who have suffered from bud rot, fungus/mildew/mold for years.