>
> My thought is to encircle hardware cloth (small 1/4 inch fencing)
around the
> roots and trunk as I plant the vines. I would probably sink the
fence about
> 1.5 feet under ground and let it run about 1.5 feet above the
ground. I am
> concerned that the underground portion might constrict the roots
over the
> years as the plant gets larger.
>

I've no idea if they can damage grapes, but they can dig deeper than
1.5'.

If you are into natural control you might introduce a couple of cats,
but then they may not be able to co-exist with the owls. Also, if you
live in coyote country they probably won't last long.

--arne