How to Prune Grape Vines in Fall

Most grape-pruning methods take place in late winter. Over-pruning in fall leaves newly cut areas more prone to winter freeze damage. One pruning chore suitable for fall grape plantings is spur trimming. The spurs grow into new productive canes the following summer. Since they are cut short and have no tender new growth, the spurs aren't as prone as the canes to winter freeze damage.

Shears
Mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Locate the new canes along each main grape branch. These canes grow vertically up from the horizontal main branches.
- 2
  Cut back each cane to a short spur that is no more than 1-inch high with pruning shears. Cut the spurs so only two buds remain near the base of the spur, where it connects to the main branch.
- 3
  Space the spurs 6 to 10 inches apart along each branch. Trim off excess spurs flush to the branch, leaving no buds on these spurs.
- 4
  Untie the grapevine from the trellis after pruning. Bend it so it lays against the soil and cover with a 6- to 8-inch layer of mulch. The mulch protects the recently pruned vine from winter damage. Uncover and retie the vine to the trellis in late winter when the spur buds begin to swell and grow.

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