L-dub, this comes up like every other month and i have no idea how it ever got started. no book i know of mentions anything about trimming fan (some call em sugar or sun leaves too) leaves off yet some know-it-all comes along every time it comes up talking about the light needs to be right there! it especially amazes me hearing outdoor growers doing this insane act! this method of drying them out during the last couple weeks before harvest is something i do however and i encourage others to at least try it on a partial crop and see for themselves after the cure is finished. i think it makes for a better end-product, in my experiences. but never take off healthy leaves, especially if removing shade is the only reason...