Cool. I'll chop some. I've just never topped this late.
I lollipop sometimes, but more for airflow and mold concerns than wasted energy.
On the years outdoors that I've had 2 of the same plants done differently (one lollipopped and one not), Ive never really noticed an appreciable difference in the final buds. Plus...I usually harvest the tops that are done, and leave the rest to finish anyway.
As crazy as it sounds, I actually appreciate larf and trim. My sister makes insane edibles, so the trim/larf pile is always welcome because it let's me keep the good stuff for bags!
I was thinking, we are at the right time of year to do an experiment to try and see if it makes a real difference. I could pick 2 plants, same size, same strain, same pheno, same pot size, same location, same soil, same schedule...lollipop and defoliate one, and leave one natural.
Not sure what the results would be worth (or if either outcome would change my ways!), but we could see how much it affects harvest and quality. If anyone would be interested that is.
It wouldn't be interesting to do it just for myself. Haha