Here in Buffalo, NY we had a devastating snow storm that dropped 2 feet of snow on October 13th. Aside from massive tree damage, our 100 year old grape arbor, and vine collapsed. The entire plant is now tangled with the wood slats and collapsed concrete pillars and lying on the ground. There were still grapes on the vine when the snow began to fall. We love this vine, the grapes it produces and the lovely shade of the arbor and plan to rebuild it in the spring. But until then, should we prune the vine all the way back and start new? Can it stay on the ground? How do we ensure it's survival through a tough Buffalo winter?
Hi Bear, Gosh, so sorry to hear this. I found this about halfway down the page under 'Vineyard ABC's'. http://winemakermag.com/feature/64.html You should also find several helpful links here. http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/htdig...words='Cold+Injury+of+Grape+Canes+and+Trunks' More helpful links. http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/hort/faculty/pool/GrapePagesIndex.html Good luck! Newt
Newt- Thanks for the info. It is good news to hear that leaving the vine on the ground can actually help save it. One question, since this is a very old vine (100 years) and the "vine" is actually a trunk about 5inches in diameter, do you think I should still cut back to only 8 buds? Bear31
Bear, you are so very welcome! I really don't know what to tell you about the pruning method. Cornell Univ has alot of info that might be helpful. It would probably help if you knew which variety of grape you have. Take a look at these sites. This first one may help you to id your grape. http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/hort/faculty/pool/GrapePagesIndex.html http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/hort/faculty/reisch/winehandout.html http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/hort/faculty/pool/train/trainandstocks.html Look here especially at V18 to V22 and V36. http://vitfaq.vinic.com/gohome.html If you still can't find the info and no one else comes along that can answer your question, let me know and I'll do more research. Newt
Newt- Once again, thank you. The last site has a ton of information for me to review. It looks like I'll find everything there (or at least someone else to ask). Hopefully, we can get the mess untangled, preserve it through the rest of winter, and retrain the vine in the spring when we rebuild the arbor. Look for before and after pictures in the spring! Bear
Bear, you are so very welcome! I know how it goes with the snow. I grew up in the Catskills and went to school in Fredonia many moons ago. I must say I don't miss the wind coming across the lake along with the blinding snow! Good luck and I'd love to see before and after pics. Newt
