How to Prune Concord Grape Vines
- 1). Separate the Concord grapevines to check if there are two or more vines growing into each, which will tell you which vines should be pruned and cut.
- 2). Using your pruning shears, cut off any grapevine arms with coarse or shedding bark. Coarse bark is usually more than 2-years-old and will no longer produce grapes. Prune the arms at the fifth or fourth bud from the stem.
- 3). Check for any black or yellowed vines. Using your pruning shears, cut inside one of the buds. If the inside of the vine is no longer green, the vine is dead and should be removed.
- 4). Prune any excess growth over the top of the vines, which will allow sunlight to reach any new growth.
- 5). Measure the grapevine canes, which are shoots that are 1-year-old or less. Canes that are larger or thinner than the width of a pencil should be removed.
- 6). Tie the cane clippings and weigh them. If their weight comes to 1 lb., the grape vine should be cut until 30 buds remain. For each additional pound, add 10 buds to the amount you allow to remain on each grape vine. This ensures a healthy Concord grape harvest of both quantity and quality.
- 7). During the summer, prune the grapevine shoots back to the third or fourth leaf after they develop fruit. Remove extra leaves around fruit clusters to allow them adequate sunlight.