What height of dahlias are you growing? I always miss topping or pinching a couple each season and they are much more sparse and with fewer branches/flowers than the others. I wouldn't bother on the short little bedding type dahlias, but I also don't grow those. For the average garden or dahlia patch, I highly recommend topping for a fuller plant. It's fast and easy.

Thank you poochella.

I think some are in the 24 inch range and some 36 inch. I started them in pots and the taller ones that I planted first already have buds.