Trimming courgette and squash plants

[Incy]

My courgettes and squashes have been/are totally amazing this year. They are totally huge and are taking over the plot, spreading in all directions at once. It has got to the point where I'm considering trimming back some of the lower/older leaves to improve airflow and accessibility. They are not at all unhealthy, no yellow or rotting leaves, no mildew, just bigger than I've ever encountered.
These are varieties I grew last year at home so I can only assume my new allotment is extremely fertile!
Does anyone know whether it would be harmful to the plants to give them a trim?

[Capsid]

I don't see the need. The courgettes grow at the tips and these are usually easy to get to. For squash the fruits are ready when the plant has died back a lot anyway. I don't think airflow is a problem for courgettes or squash either.

Having said that it probably won't do any harm but I have never read anywhere that this is something you need to do.

[Incy]

Thanks for the input capsid. It is access more than anything that has made me want to do this. All the plants seem to be going up as well as out and they are trying to move into the beds across the path from them.

[rustylady]

I would leave them alone if you can.

[JamesM]

I pruned my pumpkin plants last year by cutting where I needed to. This was, as you described, because they simply grew so well they were invading space where i planted other bits and pieces. There was no specific way i went about this apart from i'd read somewhere that it could be done without harming the plants. Having said that i planned my courgettes this year and have guided them using stakes in the ground so they go where I want them too

[Incy]

Thanks James