Creating a vineyard requires vine system training since grapevines have the tendency to trail all around naturally. To be specific, trellis systems must be installed to channel the vine’s growth to a vertical position and to provide support (since vines cannot support themselves).
And if ever you are planning to grow your own vineyard today, then we advise you to keep reading this entry as we are going to tackle tips in choosing a trellis system.
What Are Vineyard Trellis Systems?
A trellis system or also known as Vertical Shoot Position (VPS) or vine training systems refers to the stakes that direct the growth of the plant upward and keep the vines from spreading below the ground to minimize disease.
Likewise, these systems spread out the canopy of the grapevines for better sun exposure, management, and pruning.
There are different types of trellis systems being used, and these are the following:
Upright Trellises – This type of trellis are usually freestanding and often includes metal pins attached to the ground to secure the structure from blow overs. Upright trellises are ideal for walkways to provide vertical accent. Aside from that, it creates a focal point for flower beds of the grapevine.
Upright trellis systems are recommended for growing morning glories, nasturtiums, and other light vine plants.
Arbors And Pergolas – The trellises are architectural structures that offer support to heavy vines such as roses and wisteria.
Flat Trellises – Flat trellises are recommended for supporting heavy vines. These systems are made of wood, vinyl, or metalwork panels that are installed to add visual interest and to block any unsightly views in the surrounding area.
Factors In Choosing The Right Trellis
The type of trellis to be used actually depends on many factors like the vine’s cultivar’s growth habit (if it naturally grows upward or downward), the strength of the vine, and if the vine is to be spurred, pruned or both.
Vine system training with trellises are influenced by these factors:
Wind effect- Vine balance
- Amount of sun and shade on the grapes
- Ease of harvest (manual or mechanical)
- Ease of pruning (manual or mechanical)
- Amount of heat from the ground
- Possibility of frost damage
Other Considerations
Finally, other considerations when choosing a trellis system is of course, the budget from the cost of the materials down to annual maintenance and the influence of the system on the vineyard’s yield per acre. More importantly, you also have to determine the vigor of the vines as forcing it to grow on a wrong trellis will lead to shading, reduced productivity, and low fruit quality.
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