from the beginning if you start lst'ing when there are 4-5 internodes, you won't break anything. Bend it to one side of the pot, insert hook, then wait till there are a few more internodes and begin to rap around the pot. As always handle with care and you won't run into any problems. Here is my plant that was lst'd for a bit, and then I started flowing because I had two others that were ready to go. Definately makes a big difference with some of the nodes, as I have a couple colas on the lst'd. Here is also what the plant looks like just about 7 weeks into flowering. Good luck!