Tying Down

Once pruning has been completed tying down may be considered. Each cane is secured to a fruiting wire to enable the trellising system to support the weight of the fruit. This job cannot be started until the sap starts to soften the canes, enabling them to be bent without breaking. Various small tools (as well as battery operated ones) are available that all tie a length of material around the cane and a fruiting wire. The objective is to tie each cane flat along the lower fruiting wire - this enables a more even distribution of grape bunches (better for ripening, aeration etc) - the height of the base of the cane determines if this is possible (see pruning). Where it is not possible the cane is bent over the top wire and attached to the lower one.