should i trim leaves that are in the dirt?

so i got 3 plants going and a few days ago i started bending the plant to force horizontal growth, my plan is to train the main stem to grow right around the perimeter of the pot. the main stem is low to the dirt and some of the fan leaves are in the dirt. my question is should i prune these leaves? also should i trim the new shoots that grow on the lowest part of the plants so they can worry about the highest shoots that will be getting the most light?

thanks in advance

thanks mark. any other opinions?

i topped 1 of them...the other 2 i have bent and started training around the pot, i will probably top that 1 several times...see which method i like better, then stick with that for future grows.

I started lst'ing on my last grow. The Sugar Punch I'm doing it with seem very good at highlighting the leaves it no longer requires - by yellowing them. I wondered the same as you, whether to remove those leaves apparently made ineffectual by training, or leave them on (no pun intended lol); turned out I didn't need to make the decision. I now leave her a few days after a training session, check for any discoloured leaves and remove them. As for leaves that end up sitting in/on the dirt - I cut them off with a clean razor blade, no need for them that low down imo.

that is what i was thinking... plant energy going towards leaves that arent doing much..

I like to trim anything touching the dirt, yes. It makes watering easier as well as allowing more air flow too. I also agree with Mark about topping and LST for 4-8 main tops per plant. Works best for my small room. Only plants I would spiral are probably a strong sativa that's just gonna keep stretching and be thin anyways. This would allow you to continue to control height into the flower period.

leaf in dirt destined to die anyway
clean up yo bottom of leafes in the way of food
and to allow good air flow

gluck

thanks for all the replies.. i just got home from work, i will start pruning as soon as i get a min, thanks all