Sure, but I leave them for the squash bugs to hide under.

What would make you think they should be left on?

Thanks LoneJack.......I'll be sure to do that!

dan.........Just making sure there wasn't some funky reason not to do it. I know my lotus are a completely different animal, but they can get air embolisms if you cut their stems......so just making sure Zucchini didn't have some strange requirements.

Um, they're dead. I don't think any plant benefits from having dead pieces connected to it. Is that the case for lotuses?

Pines can absorb carbohydrates from dead needles.

tj

It is not only OK to cut off dead squash leaves, it is good policy. Squash bugs love to hide under dead leaves, especially if they touch the ground. It also helps to open up the plants & improve air circulation, which may reduce or delay the onset of mildew later in the season.

Yes Robert.......I was afraid it would lead to an "infection" that might not happen if I just let them progress naturally. Thanks. I went ahead and cut them off, so we'll see if anything bad happens. Thanks!

I think that cutting a leaf that is dead won't lead to any infection. The plant has already sealed off the stem. That's why the leaf is dead. More of an issue for trimming healthy foliage, but even in that case, cuts tend to dry and seal quickly. From an evolutionary perspective, a plant that can't tolerate leaves getting sliced off isn't going to thrive.