Cannabis Training Methods: LST, Topping & SCROG Explained

Growing cannabis isn’t just about watering your plants and waiting for harvest.

Experienced growers use a variety of training methods to shape their plants, improve light exposure, increase airflow, and ultimately produce healthier plants with bigger harvests.

Plant training may sound intimidating, but it’s simply the practice of guiding your cannabis plant to grow in a way that maximizes its potential.

Whether you’re growing one plant in a closet or a full indoor garden, learning a few basic training techniques can dramatically improve your results.

In this guide, we’ll introduce three of the most popular cannabis training methods:

• Low Stress Training (LST)
• Topping
• Screen of Green (SCROG)

Let’s take a closer look.

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What Is Plant Training?

Plant training is the process of intentionally shaping your cannabis plant as it grows.

Instead of allowing the plant to grow naturally in one direction, growers gently manipulate branches to create a wider, more productive canopy.

The goals of plant training include:

• Better light distribution
• Improved airflow
• More flowering sites
• Stronger branch development
• Better use of grow space
• Increased yields

Training encourages the plant to spread its energy across multiple branches instead of focusing on one main stem.

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Why Train Cannabis Plants?

Without training, many cannabis plants naturally grow like a Christmas tree.

This means:

• One dominant top cola
• Lower branches receive less light
• Smaller buds develop on lower growth

Training changes this by creating a flatter, more even canopy where multiple branches receive equal light.

The result is often:

• More bud sites
• Better light penetration
• Healthier growth
• Larger harvests

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Low Stress Training (LST)

Low Stress Training, commonly called LST, is one of the easiest and most beginner-friendly training techniques.

Instead of cutting the plant, growers gently bend and secure branches into new positions.

This encourages the plant to grow outward instead of straight upward.

Benefits of LST

• Beginner friendly
• Little risk when done correctly
• Improves light exposure
• Creates more flowering sites
• Helps control plant height
• Works well in small grow tents

Because no major cutting is involved, plants usually recover very quickly.

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How LST Works

Growers carefully bend flexible branches and secure them using:

• Soft plant ties
• Garden wire
• Twist ties
• Plant clips

Over time, new growth begins pointing upward toward the light, creating several main colas instead of just one.

Patience and gentle handling are the keys to successful LST.

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Topping

Topping is a high-stress training method that involves removing the growing tip at the top of the plant.

Once the top is removed, the plant redirects its energy into multiple new growth tips.

Instead of producing one dominant cola, the plant develops two main tops.

This process can be repeated several times during the vegetative stage.

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Benefits of Topping

• Creates multiple main colas
• Encourages bushier growth
• Increases potential yields
• Helps control plant height
• Improves canopy development

Because topping involves cutting the plant, growers should only top healthy, vigorously growing plants.

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When Should You Top?

Most growers wait until the plant has developed several healthy nodes before making the first cut.

After topping, the plant usually needs a short recovery period before resuming vigorous growth.

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Screen of Green (SCROG)

SCROG stands for:

Screen of Green

This technique uses a horizontal screen or net placed above the plants.

As branches grow through the screen, growers gently weave them outward instead of allowing them to grow vertically.

The result is an even canopy where nearly every flowering site receives excellent light.

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Benefits of SCROG

SCROG is one of the most productive training methods available.

Advantages include:

• Excellent light distribution
• Maximum canopy efficiency
• Increased yields
• Better airflow
• Reduced shading
• Ideal for indoor grows

Many experienced growers use SCROG to maximize production in limited spaces.

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LST vs. Topping vs. SCROG

Each technique serves a different purpose.

Method	Difficulty	Stress Level	Best For
LST	Easy	Low	Beginners
Topping	Moderate	High	Bushier plants
SCROG	Moderate	Low to Moderate	Maximum yields

Many growers combine all three methods during a single grow for even better results.

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Can You Combine Training Methods?

Absolutely.

A common progression is:

1. Top the plant during early vegetative growth.
2. Use LST to spread the new branches outward.
3. Place a SCROG net over the canopy and weave branches through it.

This combination creates a flat, evenly lit canopy with many productive bud sites.

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When Should You Start Training?

Training is usually performed during the vegetative stage, when plants are actively growing.

Healthy young plants recover much more quickly than plants already producing flowers.

Most growers avoid major training once flowering is well underway, as excessive stress during this stage can reduce plant performance.

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Common Beginner Mistakes

Training Too Early

Allow seedlings time to establish healthy roots and several sets of leaves before beginning any training.

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Bending Too Quickly

Branches can snap if bent aggressively.

Always work slowly and gently.

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Topping Weak Plants

Only top healthy, vigorous plants that are actively growing.

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Forgetting Airflow

Dense canopies need good air circulation to reduce moisture buildup and encourage healthy growth.

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Ignoring Recovery Time

Plants need time to recover after high-stress techniques like topping.

Avoid stacking multiple stressful activities on the same day.

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Which Training Method Is Best for Beginners?

For most first-time growers, Low Stress Training (LST) is the easiest place to start.

It requires minimal equipment, carries very little risk when performed gently, and can significantly improve plant structure and light exposure.

As growers gain experience, they often add topping and SCROG to further increase productivity.

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Final Thoughts

Cannabis training is one of the most valuable skills a grower can learn.

By shaping your plants instead of simply letting them grow naturally, you can improve light distribution, strengthen branch development, maximize available space, and increase the number of productive flowering sites.

Whether you begin with gentle Low Stress Training, experiment with topping, or master the Screen of Green technique, every training method teaches you more about how cannabis grows and responds.

The goal isn’t to force the plant into an unnatural shape—it’s to help it make the most of its natural potential.

With patience, careful observation, and a little practice, plant training can transform an ordinary grow into an exceptional harvest.