How to Remove Grapevine Suckers

Grapevine suckers emerge from the ground apart from the main trunk of the plant. A grapevine grows and spreads in this way, and it can quickly get out of control if left untamed. The development of suckers takes energy away from the main vine, so they reduce fruit production. If you grow, or want to grow, manicured grapevines on a trellis and enjoy the harvest, prune the vine annually to remove the suckers.

Things You'll Need

• Spade
• Pruning shears

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Pull gently on the sucker to raise it from the ground. Use a spade to loosen the soil if needed so you can pull the sucker without breaking it.

   • 2

     Trace the sucker back to the main trunk of the vine. Suckers grow from an underground bud or nodule on the trunk of the main vine.

   • 3

     Use sharp pruning shears to cut the sucker from the main grapevine at the node or bud where the sucker originates.

   • 4

     Replace any soil that you removed to access the sucker.