Yes, I aways stagger my harvest to bring out different aspects n side effects from any particular strain.

Nope, no tape.
Just use a clean blade and never take more than a third of the plant, it will be jus' fine.
Cutting the terminal bud can slow growth for a few days, but when it resumes the lack of auxin wil cause the lower buds to swell a bit.

Google "Auxin" for a good read.:jointsmile:

Aloha,
Weezard