- 7 - decay. Metal end posts are approximately 9 feet long and usually 4 inches in diameter. The posts used between the end posts (in-line posts) are typically 9 feet in length and approximately 4 to 5 inches in diameter if wooden and 3½ inches in diameter if metal. The wooden posts may be pressure treated with chemicals to retard decay. The purpose of the in-line posts is to support the wires used to train the vines and support the drip irrigation lines. The posts support 10- to 14-gauge wires, which in turn support drip irrigation lines, vine cordons and fruit, and foliage. All wires are attached, by staples and gripples, to the end posts and the in-line posts. The staples attach the wire to the posts, and the gripples provide the ability to adjust the tension of the wire. In addition to in-line posts, wood or metal training stakes are pounded 1½ to 2 feet into the ground to support each vine. The stakes may be wood or metal and are typically 6 feet long, and the wooden ones may be pressure treated. Concrete or cement is not used to affix the posts to the earth. Petitioners did not intend for their trellising to be permanently affixed to the earth. One goal in the use of trellis systems is to improve the intensity and quality of grapes, which, in turn, improves the intensity, quality, and value of the resulting wine. The mannerPage: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 NextLast modified: November 10, 2007