Study Finds Trees Near Vineyards Increase Water Stress in Grapevines

New research published by OENO One reports evidence that trees near vineyards can increase water stress in grapevines and alter the direction of vine root growth, a finding that could shape how growers plan vineyard borders and agroforestry systems.

The study, published July 1 in Volume 60, Issue 3 of the journal, is titled “Evidence for tree-induced water stress and root system reorientation in grapevines.” It was written by Michael Bruch, Lukas Fichtl and Matthias Friedel.

The paper adds to a growing body of work on how vineyard layout and neighboring vegetation affect vine physiology. In this case, the focus is not row orientation or canopy management, but the effect of nearby trees on the vine’s access to water below ground. The central point is practical: when trees and vines share the same space, they may compete for limited soil moisture, and grapevine roots may respond by changing their growth pattern.

That matters for wine production because water competition can influence vine balance, berry development and yields. For growers, especially those considering agroforestry or managing vineyard edges next to wooded areas, better estimates of tree-driven water stress could help avoid unexpected effects on crop volume and grape composition. The impact on wine quality would depend on site conditions, variety, soil and the severity of the stress.

The article appears at a time when water management has become a central issue for vineyards in many regions. Recent viticulture research has examined drought, heat stress, soil water holding capacity and long-term climate pressure on vines. Against that backdrop, the new study points to a more local factor that can still have major consequences: the presence of trees close to the vines.

OENO One’s listing of the paper indicates that the researchers found evidence both of water stress induced by trees and of root system reorientation in grapevines. That suggests the interaction is not limited to above-ground shading or changes in air flow. It also involves underground competition, where roots from different plants may be drawing from the same water reserves.

For vineyard managers, the findings could affect decisions about how close vines should be planted to tree lines, hedges or mixed agricultural plantings. In some settings, trees are used to support biodiversity, reduce erosion or improve landscape resilience. But those benefits may come with trade-offs if vines face stronger competition for water during dry periods.

The study is also relevant for producers trying to adapt vineyards to warmer and drier conditions. If trees near blocks intensify vine water stress, growers may need to account for that when planning irrigation, choosing rootstocks or redesigning parcel boundaries. In non-irrigated vineyards, where vines depend heavily on stored soil moisture, those interactions may be especially important.

The publication comes from a journal focused on vine and wine science and joins other recent OENO One research on grapevine responses to drought, heat exposure, spacing and soil management. Together, those studies reflect how much attention is now being paid to the physical environment around the vine, from climate trends down to field-scale planting decisions.

While the journal search record identifies the main conclusion of the new paper, it does not provide detailed numerical results in the material available here. Even so, the message is clear enough for growers and wine businesses: trees near vineyards may do more than change the landscape. They can affect how vines seek water underground and how much stress they experience during the growing season.