Pruning is one of the most influential decisions vineyard owners and operators make each season, and in this solo Q&A episode, Fritz tackles the most common — and most misunderstood — questions he hears in the field. Drawing on hands-on experience, Fritz walks listeners through the practical realities of dormant pruning, why it matters far beyond vine appearance, and how pruning choices directly impact vine balance, yield, and long-term vineyard health.
Throughout the episode, Fritz addresses real-world concerns from growers, including how aggressive pruning should be, what mistakes show up most often in young versus mature vineyards, and how to adapt pruning strategies to site conditions and vine vigor.
Fritz explains how pruning windows can influence bud burst and frost risk, and why “earlier is always better” isn’t necessarily true. He highlights warning signs that a vineyard may be over- or under-pruned and offers guidance for adjusting course before problems compound over multiple seasons.
This episode is particularly valuable for vineyard owners who want to move beyond rote pruning rules and better understand the “why” behind their pruning decisions. By the end, listeners will have clearer expectations for what good pruning should accomplish and how small, intentional changes can pay dividends in vine performance and fruit quality over time.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Pruning decisions directly influence vine balance, yield, and longevity
- Over-pruning and under-pruning both create long-term vineyard challenges
- Timing of pruning can affect bud break and frost exposure
- Vine vigor should guide pruning intensity, not habits or tradition
- Small adjustments made consistently can improve vineyard performance
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Resources:
If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Free Pruning Events:
January 15th at 5 PM Central – Cut with Confidence, Not Consequences – Register here: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/product/cut-with-confidence/
January 29th at 12:00 PM Central – Snip Happens: Pruning Mistakes and Fixes – Register here: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/product/snip-happens/
Episode Sponsor:
Today’s episode was brought to you by HydroGeo Environmental and Bahco Tools.
Thank you to HydroGeo Environmental for sponsoring today’s episode. For over 20 years, Bubba Beasley and his team have helped vineyard growers with site assessments, mapping, soil and groundwater evaluations, and optimal vineyard layouts. Using the latest technology and industry expertise, HydroGeo brings clarity to even the most complex landscapes. Visit HydroGeoEnvironmental.com and mention the Vineyard Underground podcast for a special discount on your service.
Thank you to Bahco Tools for sponsoring today’s episode. As innovators for more than 165 years, Bahco has introduced the most advanced tools in the world, and Bahco products are manufactured in factories across Europe. I exclusively prune with the Bahco ERGO™ Bypass Secateurs with Elastomer Coated Fixed Handle (size medium). Visit www.bahco.com/int_en to find a dealer near you to get the best pruning tools on the market, along with loppers, hedging tools, cutting blades, files, and more.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
