Vine pruning is a crucial practice in vineyard management requiring not only experience but also a deep understanding of the plant’s physiological needs the and the most appropriate techniques.
However, there are common mistakes that directly impacts the health of the plant and the quality of the harvest. To achieve optimal results, it is crucial to recognize and avoid these missteps.
Here are the 7 mistakes in vine pruning that can make all the difference when approaching this task. From the frequency of pruning to the training shape, from choosing the right time to using high-quality tools, such as those offered by Campagnola – a wide range of solutions, including electric shears powered by plug-in batteries, pneumatic and manual shears, loppers, saws, electric chain pruners and tying machines with plug-in batteries, ideal to guarantee efficiency and precision in your interventions.
1. Leaving too much time pass between pruning
One of the most frequent mistakes in vine management is neglecting pruning for extended periods. Uncontrolled growth compromises both production and plant resistance, while regular interventions help shape the vine, balance vegetative and productive activity, promote plant health, and positively influence both the quantity and quality of the grapes produced. Additionally, while the vine has a good capacity for wound healing, there is a significant difference between cutting a small diameter branch and one that is particularly large and harder to heal.
These considerations are especially important for pruning in the early years of the vine’s life when the foundations for the future vineyard are being established. It’s wrong to think that letting the plant grow freely at this stage is a good idea. Instead, it is useful to make targeted cuts with the right techniques and tools designed for the task.
2. Not shaping the plant while young
Shaping the vine during its early stages of growth is crucial to ensuring long-term productivity and well-being. Training or formative pruning, carried out in the first years after planting the vineyard, defines the plant’s structure, allowing it to make optimal use of available space and enjoy optimal lighting and air circulation.
This also facilitates future interventions, such as harvesting and plant maintenance. Modifying the training shape of the vine at later stages can be difficult and even risky.
3. Not respecting the ideal pruning period
Pruning the vine at the wrong time can cause significant damage to the plant. As mentioned earlier, the vine is sensitive to cutting operations, and it is advisable to perform the most significant pruning interventions during the plant’s dormant periods when the risk of excessive sap loss or infection from pathogenic growth is minimal.
Additionally, it is always best to avoid cutting branches in extreme weather conditions, such as freezing temperatures or rain, as this helps prevent stress and damage to the plant.
4. Moving fruit-bearing branches too far from the trunk
Keeping fruiting branches too far from the trunk reduces the efficiency of resource allocation, negatively impacting the quality and quantity of the harvest. Fruiting spurs should be positioned in a balanced way to ensure uniform growth and proper nourishment for the clusters.
If this principle is ignored, there is a real risk of weakening the main trunk, exposing it to dryness and disease. Therefore, it is recommended to limit the horizontal growth of the plant, keeping its productive parts as close to the base as possible. For the same reasons, it is also a good idea to limit vertical growth, which could lead to the progressive hollowing out of lower branches in favour of a fruit concentration at the top of the canopy, unbalanced and impractical for harvesting.
5. Not considering the exposure of the grapes
Improper pruning can affect the exposure of the grape clusters to light. If the top of the canopy is pruned too much, the clusters lose the natural protection from leaves and become overly exposed to the sun.
On the other hand, insufficient pruning leaves lower clusters in the shade, hindering their ripening. A balance between light exposure and protection is essential for ensuring a high-quality harvest.
6. Incorrect cutting and cutting points
Making imprecise cuts or cutting at the wrong points can damage the plant and compromise its vitality and fruiting capacity. There are different types of cuts that can be made, each with different purposes. For example, cutting a branch completely near the collar may be necessary when eliminating dead, unnecessary, diseased, or incorrectly directed branches.
On the other hand, a slanted cut just above the bud is done when you want to direct more sap to buds that will potentially produce flowers, fruit, or new productive branches. The so-called return cut is also possible, which is performed on main branches and can help change their direction of growth or limit the plant’s size. It is essential, therefore, to understand the vine’s anatomy and use the appropriate tools to make clean, precise cuts.
7. Using the wrong pruning shears
Using inadequate or dull shears is one of the main risks for the health of the vine. Irregular cuts can expose plant tissues to infections and hinder the healing of the branch. Professional shears designed with a focus on precision and durability ensure smooth cuts with many benefits: they reduce plant stress, promote faster healing, and allow vine growers to perform quick operations with minimal effort.
Perfect pruning with Campagnola shears
Choosing the right tools is crucial for effective pruning. Campagnola pruning shears combine ergonomics and advanced technology for consistently high-performance operations. Designed to guarantee key objectives, such as precision, comfort and safety, they are ideal for those seeking excellence in the vineyard care.
They are available in both manual versions and plug-in battery-powered versions such as STARK XM or the latest Made in Italy NOVA 35. You can also rely on powerful pneumatic models, such as STAR 30 VIGNA and VICTORY, also available in the VICTORY R and VICTORY WITH ADAPTER versions.
Campagnola’s range of tools dedicated for vine growers also includes the NEXI tying machine and efficient electric chain pruners with plug-in batteries, such as T-REX or T-CAT M V1, designed for finishing cuts.
To learn more, visit our website or contact your nearest Campagnola dealer and schedule a consultation for expert and up-to-date advice. Face the upcoming season with the quality and innovation that have distinguished us since 1958!