Strategic Leaf Pruning
Definition - What does Strategic Leaf Pruning mean?
Strategic leaf pruning is a useful practice for small first-year vines in their first months of development. If there are too many leaves to feed during the growing season, there is not sufficient energy focused into the main vine for growth. Therefore, some leaves should be removed or even cut in half so that sugars and nutrients will be delivered more efficiently to the main trunk and other essential parts of the vine.
WineFrog explains Strategic Leaf Pruning
For many mature grape vines, strategic leaf pruning is not very effective. When the canopy is in full-development, many leaves need to be removed in order for healthy air circulation throughout the vine's shoots and branches to be possible. Simply thinning leaves will not be sufficient, as branches and shoots are left behind for more leaves to regrow, thus, taking necessary nutrients, sugars and water away from the fruit and the rest of the canopy.
In the case of younger vines, strategic leaf pruning can be essential for better growth of the main anatomical parts of the vine which will later support permanent branches, fruit and the growth of the canopy from year to year.
