You're right to worry about stressing them out too much. The only time I defoliate after day 21 of flower is around day 45 which is about 2 weeks prior to harvest for 8-week cultivars. I defoliate then to help get light down into the lower buds which can help with ripening.
When I scrog grow I clear out everything under the net, and on top I don't like to get to crazy. If everything is growing good I only remove something if it's blocking light from something else.
@VC as Mr. White said, just grab the leaves that are blocking key bud areas. I personally do a heavy defoliate the first day of flower and the 21st ish day. From there it's just maintenance. Each strain handles it differently. Leaf tucking may help in certain areas. I agree with Mr. White regarding the scrog.
You're right to worry about stressing them out too much. The only time I defoliate after day 21 of flower is around day 45 which is about 2 weeks prior to harvest for 8-week cultivars. I defoliate then to help get light down into the lower buds which can help with ripening.
When I scrog grow I clear out everything under the net, and on top I don't like to get to crazy. If everything is growing good I only remove something if it's blocking light from something else.
I would. They look healthy enough to take the stress.