When you vine is Fully Dormant. I'm assuming there table grapes, I usually get all mine done around the Middle of Feb.

The vines are literally taking over our yard!

As was said, prune them when they are dormant. I prune mine in early-mid Jan.

If they are taking over your yard go ahead and prune them out of the areas you don't want them in. They will undoubtedly sprout out of the cut areas heavily but they should be going dormant soon so rapid growth response to cutting should not be too bad and you will be removing this area when it is dormant anyway.

Remember, the current growth is producing and storing sugars for next years production.

http://www.unce.unr.edu/publications/files/ho/other/fs9504.pdf

http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/pdf/1428.pdf

http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/pdf/1429.pdf

We are colder here in Camp Verde and I prune in Jan.

"Remember, the current growth is producing and storing sugars for next years production."

Can someone explain what this means in terms of winter pruning, please?

Thanks - David

winter usually means.. when dormant

ken

Thanks but what I was looking for was an explanation of the "storing sugars" part.

When is this occurring, please?

How does the timing (and degree of aggression of pruning) impact it?

Thanks - David

Here are the grapevines I am planning to prune in January.

There's a bunch of lillies to the left and some weeds, including some unknown vines, around the two grapevines - planted at the base of the arbor on either side.

We have been pruning them every winter for 3 years. This past year the crop was very light but then again the watering was inconsistent.

WDYT?

Thanks!

Photosynthesis = light + CO2 ==> sugar ==>starch for storage over winter and freeze protection. ==> sugar for energy for growth in spring.

OK, getting closer, what I'm seeking is the relationship between of degree of pruning and the timing of pruning to the sugar storage ...

Does this mean that all but minimal pruning is bad for growth & productivity in the coming year?

Perhaps it doesn't matter how much one prunes because the storage is below the ground - so long as pruning comes after sugar storage?

Does this mean that there is a better and worse time to prune - based on temperatures and the point between Fall and Spring seasons?

Sorry for so many questions - it's a learning process ... Thanks!

When vines go dormant, sugar storage is complete. They'll begin using the stored sugars when they start growing in spring - usually February.

Here's a pretty good video on pruning table grape vines from Dave Wilson Nursery.

Here is a link that might be useful: Pruning table grapes

Thanks aztreelover...I thought I had seen all the DWN videos but do not remember that one. Below is the companion spur pruning video again with Chuck Ingels.

If you are interested in which cultivar gets pruned which way:
http://www.lecooke.com/Nursery/Care/Grape-Pruning-Cane-vs-Spur.pdf

Here is a link that might be useful: How To Prune Grapes: Spur Type (DWN)