I think because of water loss through transpiration, with the roots damaged from digging up the plants, it is recommended to cut the leaves back. I know that is normally done when shipping, but I think it is done as much to make the shipping easier and cheaper as it is to help the plant. Also I don't know how much transpiration would take place through withered leaves? I would cut them back just to make them look better. If I dig a clump with a good root ball and a lot of dirt I normally don't cut the plants back, but if I dug the plants as bare root and left them out for a week I would for sure trim them back pretty short. I would also love to get some more experienced growers to reply.
