If you planted grape vines in your backyard, you should make it a point to regularly prune them.
Pruning is something that you should not take for granted.
If done properly, pruning grapes can improve growth and development.
The process will also make your grape vines neater, instead of looking very bushy with all those unneeded vines that need to be pulled out or trimmed off.
To give you some tips and advice for pruning grapes, read the next few paragraphs.
oThe first thing that you should ask yourself is "when is the best time for pruning grapes?" The best time depends on the grape variety.
Some varieties should be pruned in the middle parts of winter season.
Around this time, the sap is not yet so high and is just starting to grow taller and the canes are also more firm and sturdy.
oRemember the in the first year, you do not need to prune your grape vines yet.
The grape plants are still establishing their roots firmly into the ground and they need all the leaves and stems that they could have.
oYou should know how to look for the strongest and sturdiest stems because they should be the one left un-pruned.
Remove all those weak stems starting from the bottom part of the plant to the middle part of the trunk.
Support the most vigorous stem that you have chosen using a stake.
oDuring the second year around spring time, choose the best side shoots that you can find and cut off all the stems except these two shoots.
This is done if you want to encourage side branching.
oWhen the grape vine grows tall and reaches its ideal height, cut the upper part of the trunk.
This is usually done in the second year of your grape plants, around summer season.
This is called tip pruning and it is a step done to promote new growth.
Trim off any stems or branches which you will not need.
oBy the time your grape plants' second winter arrives, you need to cut off everything except those branches which you think are the sturdiest among all the branches and, of course, the main trunk.
This will give you a strong base for your grape plant.
oAround the third year, let the grape plant grow and develop.
Just prune all those branches or shoots that come out from the main trunk to maintain the framework of your plant.
oWhen the plants' third winter approaches, leave a dozen new buds.
These will serve as your first batch of produce in the 4th year in summer.
That is why it is very important to prune your grapes properly around this time.
For some people, pruning grapes is both and intimidating and a mysterious task.
There are no clear cut rules about what and where to prune.
You can only get suggestions and recommendations based form other people's experience.
That is why pruning is one art that you should learn how to master especially if you are growing grapes.