# Lollipopping

> Lollipopping removes the lower branches and small shoots on a plant, usually around the flip, so energy goes to the top buds and airflow improves underneath.

- Canonical: https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/lollipopping.html
- Also written: lollipop, lollipopped, lolli-popping, under-canopy pruning, bottom stripping
- Glossary category: Cultivation and training · Evidence: Grower practice
- Status: Draft: awaiting expert review · Updated: 2026-10-31
- Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/), attribute "GenetixBay cannabis glossary"

Lollipopping is pruning the lower third or so of a plant, removing small branches, weak [bud sites](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/bud-site.md) and lower leaves that sit in the shade beneath the canopy. What remains [looks](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/bag-appeal.md) like a lollipop: bare stem below, dense foliage and [colas](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/cola.md) on top.

## In practice

Most growers lollipop just before or within about the first two to three weeks of flower, when it is clear which shoots will reach the canopy. The aims are fewer small, airy "[popcorn](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/popcorn-buds.md)" buds, better airflow under the canopy (lower humidity pockets, less risk of mould), and easier watering access. Work in stages on a sensitive plant rather than all at once.

The evidence is grower practice. It removes tissue that receives little light, so yield losses should be small, but light-hungry lower leaves can still contribute.

## Don't confuse with

- **Defoliation**: removing [fan leaves](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/fan-leaf.md), often throughout the canopy.
- **Schwazzing**: aggressive whole-plant [defoliation](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/defoliation.md) at set points in flower.

## Myth check

House position: "tuck, don't pluck". Remove what is truly shaded and useless; keep productive leaves. See [defoliation and lollipopping](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/training/defoliation-lollipopping.md).

## Related terms

[Defoliation](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/defoliation.md), [Schwazzing](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/schwazzing.md), [Bud site](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/bud-site.md), [Canopy](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/canopy.md), [Tucking](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/tucking.md)

## Read more

- [Defoliation and lollipopping: what to remove, when, and the evidence](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/training/defoliation-lollipopping.md)