Growing grapes and making wine out of them, has been in practice since the beginnings of farming custom. In order to maintain a healthy grapevine, it takes work and dedication. Since it can take up to three years for a vine to give fruit, this time allows the grower to tame the plant's growth -and production- thru pruning. .

What is Pruning & Why is it Employed?

Grapevines have to be trained to maintain plant size, shape, and productivity. They also take years to train. After the trellis is erected and the vine is planted the grapevine begins to take shape. Vines are allowed to grow from one strong shoot directly from the roots. Any other shoots that grow from the roots are clipped back. The main shoot is tied vertically to the trellis. After the next dormant period growers will need to develop the arms of the vine. Two shoots on either side of the main shoot are tied horizontally to the trellis and will serve as the base for the fruit or the arms. All other shoots are trimmed back and not allowed to grow. After the basic shape of the vine is shaped the pruning of the vine continues during the dormant periods. Pruning during dormant states throughout the life of the vine is a critical component in the production of grapes.

The Pruning Technique

Once the trellis is planted, along with the grape vine, the plant will only be allowed to grow from one main shoot that must be tied, vertically, to the trellis. All other shoots are to be clipped back. Once the first dormant period passes, you have to prune the grapevine so that the arms where the fruit will be supported can begin to shape and grow. In order to do this, you must tie the two largest shoots provident of the main shoot, horizontally on to the trellis. Any other shoots must be clipped back. Once this step is completed, the grapevine will start to take shape. However, pruning will be required regularly, especially during dormant seasons, so as to keep a healthy, productive vine. Generally, hybrid grapes will require less pruning, weeding and pest control in comparison to European grape varieties. This is because hybrid grapes are more tolerant to colder climates and common grapevine pests, and normally produce less foliage than their counterparts " a great advantage for many first time growers.

The Pruning Benefits

Pruning can also reduce the crop production by removing the fruitful buds. By varying the amount that is pruned back will influence the crop level. If too much is pruned back, more shoots will grow on the vine which in turn produces more of a crop and more foliage. The more foliage on a vine results in a shady canopy which provides a poor environment for the grapes to ripen.

Pruning will rid your grapevines of fruiting canes or spurs from previous years that are no longer productive. Vines canes only produce fruit during the first year of growth, so new, healthy canes must be grown consistently to secure your next harvest. Another benefit of pruning is the ability to reduce the amount of foliage in your vine, as well having control over your grapevines production. The amount of shoots that you clip will be proportional to size of your crop. If your crop seems to have excess foliage that creates a shady canopy, make sure to increase your regular pruning in order to maximize the amount of sunlight that the vines receive.

What to Use: Pruning Tool

There are various hand tools that will assist you in your grapevine pruning: loppers, handsaws and hand-pruners are some of the most common. As a grower, you must be very careful not to injure or damage your grapevines during pruning, so as not to jeopardize their future productivity. When removing canes that are one year of age, a hand pruner is effective; while older branches of thick wood are better pruned using a handsaw or lopper.

The desire to grow grapes results in the necessary steps of getting down into the dirt and getting dirty. Pruning is a relatively simple concept in which grapevine growers seem to grasp quickly. The time and dedication over the years results in a healthy and plentiful crop

Pierre Duponte is a grape growing expert. He spends his time teaching others how to make fine wines. For more great tips on pruning grapes or you can get his free 10 part mini course on grape growing and how to make wine visit http://www.grapegrowingwinemakingtips.com/.

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