I found adverse effects in backbudding, since sometimes, you pull off pieces of the bark too where new buds are just forming. I'm thinking they like the protection until they've grown out a little.
Apart from that, I would like to give some attention to tools.
A good stainless steel, high quality bent tweezer will do the job perfectly. I say good and high quality because there's millions of shitty ones and maybe just 30 or so brands that offer true quality. If you're going to remove thousands of needles every year, you want the right tool; something not too heavy, not too light and something that you can lose in the backyard and find it months later with zero rust or oxidation. If you ever held a good tweezer, you'll feel it right away.
Bent tips allow you to pluck length-wise along the branch, and rip off 3-6 needles in one move.
Here's a picture of a shitty one, just as an example. It has zero ergonomics, it will oxidize/rust on the brushed metal and since it's usually spot-welded (or however that pressing of metals against each other is called) it will break within a year or so. Real crappy ones are sometimes soldered or glued and then covered in rubber. The shape is just.. You're going to get some blisters from this one and there will be a moment (or many) where you'll get stuck in the handle-parts. It will cost anything between 20 cents and 20 dollars. And at 20 cents, you're still being ripped off. Notice how the center of the handle is at the edge of the bend. Prolonged use will bend these tweezers so that they will be out of shape in no time.
Here's an example of a quality one: ergonomic design, relatively heavy, coated to prevent rust, surgical grade (so can be heated to 300 degrees C and cooled without damaging for over 1000 times), spot welded as well but this one is coated afterwards ensuring for a better seal and better connection. I have used these for over 7 hours a day for a year now, my baby soft skin hasn't been damaged a single time. These usually go for 5 dollars and up (to around 50 or so). They last around 5-10 years with daily use. Also notice how the center of the mandibles is at the exact center of the handle.
It's a small investment, but it really takes the pain out of the ass. Needle plucking should be something to look out to, instead of feeling like a chore. Having the right tool helps a lot.
Both Ebay and Amazon are full of shit quality tweezers and offer just a few good ones. It's really worth your while to look for the good ones.
