These Mofo's would be having to pick leaves 24/7 in that case.
I cut leaves off with a big ass pair of scissors. I assure you I have a lot of plants and I don't do anything unless it's a need for here. If it has just a few on the plant naturally I don't mess with it but some can be very leafy. If you pour the nitrogen to a plant it will produce more leaves.
When I used to grow land race sativas they get massive much bigger than an indica and much more leafy. Stalks the size of a mans calf and branches almost as big. Well if ur skinny it's the size of ur leg haha. That's when I had to start cutting the top foilage away so the bottom part of the plant and the bottom part of the colas on top and the middle can also get more sunlight and air. Uses less water as well. I know some frown on it and say it makes no difference but I beg to differ on it. I also strip the insides so the popcorn buds don't get going but that also depends on the plant and how it produces bud as well.
I have some customers who like the 1gram nugs so I like to choose some varieties that put those out consistently.
Maybe out west their is no need for more air flow because of the lower humidity levels but here most of the summer it can feel like a jungle. Besides bigger buds is always a treat to any grower.