Question
Hello. First, thank you for your time. I recently purchased a new home and it had an established grape arbor in the backyard. Just a small 4 post metal frame with grape vines growing up each leg and completely across the top. I live in Massachusetts. I know nothing about grapes and have been doing some research online but find it difficult to get some direction because I don't know much about the grapes or vines that are there. I have no idea how old they are, what kind they are, etc. I doubt they have been taken care of properly because the previous owners were very elderly. The house was gutted and build anew but the grapes stayed. I know now is the time to do any pruning but I have no idea where to start? It is a nice feature in the backyard and I think we'd like to keep it. Not sure what we'd do with the grapes produced or if they would be any good for a few years.  Any suggestions?

Answer
Hi Katie, went thru some site and think this one will help you.  It ishttp://www.gardening-howto.com/pruning-plants/pruning-grapes.htm     Grapes will probably out live us, so do not worry about their age.  But for sure, pruning is a must to get large grapes, and it is done when the leaves are off in the winter.  Grapes come from the new growth, that is why they are pruned back.  kathy