BRT: Remove needles?

[Sunder]

I have a question about removing the needles on a BRT.

Do you do it? The obvious reason is so that you don't get stabbed by them while working on your tree. OUCH!
Is there a "better" time to remove them? While they are still new & green? or wait until they harden off?

If you don't do it? What are your reasons? I'm guessing that is considered the "natural state" of the tree.
Is it considered "bad form" in judging a BRT if it doesn't have its needles still?

Thanks in advance for letting me know your thoughts. This is meant to be a friendly discussion - no judgment one way or the other!

 

[SWfloirda]

I don’t remove mine. No special reason. If I was going to remove them I’d wait until they were hardened off.

 

[WNC Bonsai]

I cut them off when they’re still green and soft. Otherwise you can end up with some real nasty scrapes. I cut them off before they get long and hard because if you ever cut one off after it hardens and drop it then step on it you’ll regret it.

 

[Russ1]

I cut them if they bug me and get in the way, you can cut them in half but they do hurt if they fall on you socks or in your shoe.

 

[Carol 83]

I cut them off, it doesn't bother the tree and prevents bleeding...

 

[Russ1]

prevents bleeding...

Of humans not the tree