Does it Hurt a Grapevine to Prune it in Freezing Weather?

Time Frame

• During the winter, grapevines grow dormant and don't generate new growth. This is an ideal time for pruning as the cuts won't harm the vines as much as they would during the growing season. January through March is when the cold weather has the least chance of damaging vines cut during pruning. By the time spring arrives, the cuts have had a chance to heal in time for the new growth to begin.

Pruning Tips

• When first pruning, perform heavy pruning to allow for fewer but healthier fruits. Each vine needs only 20 to 60 buds, any more than this should be pruned away. Pruning away 3 to 4 feet on each vine and removing older canes allows healthier growth to develop. During the first three years, prune away all excess growth from the main vine to allow it to grow strong to support the rest of the vines. After the vines are mature, remove as much as 90 percent of the old wood during the winter pruning and choose only a few newer canes to support the main vines.

Over-Wintering the Vines

• After pruning, over-winter the vines to protect them from the coldest part of the year. The main trunks should be bent down towards the soil and then covered with as much as 6 to 8 inches of soil and mulch, according to the University of Minnesota Extension. This allows the soil to protect the vines from snow and ice. In mid-April, uncover the vines and place them back on the trellis.

Other Pruning Times

• Summer pruning for grapes is also possible as long as you continue to choose which canes to prune and which to keep as the new growth continues to come in. When pruning at this time, choose canes growing in the same direction to encourage uniformity in the vines as well as to keep them from crossing over each other. This also allows for better air circulation between the vines. During the summer, snip out any diseased canes and those that have grown weak over the years.