Adding a Trellis to your Outdoor Space or Garden

Trellises are a lovely addition to any outdoor space. They offer a classic, traditional look that is ideal for the garden, the back patio, the deck or along the house. Trellises can:

·         Add height and interest to a plain garden

·         Serve as a divider between houses or within the garden area

·         Serve as a privacy fence

·         Serve as a grand entry to the garden

·         Hide an unattractive wall

·         Provide a shaded area for a deck or patio

Best of all, trellises are inexpensive and available in a variety of sizes, designs and colors. If you are particularly handy, building a trellis is an easy, weekend project. You can find trellises at your local home improvement center or landscape supply center. Trellises are often sold as one piece or as a kit, which is fairly simple to put together.

Considering the Trellis' Materials

Trellises can be constructed of wood, wrought iron, steel, plastic or vinyl. If you are building or purchasing a wood trellis, make sure that it is constructed of either a pressure-treated or a rot-resistant wood, such as cedar or redwood. Wrought iron trellises add a classic touch, while plastic and vinyl trellises are weather-resistant and maintenance-free.

How to Install your Garden Trellis

1.       Decide whether you would like to install your trellis in a large pot or in the ground.

2.       If you are installing your trellis into the ground, it is important to push it at least two feet into the ground for stability. You may also secure the trellis with a stainless steel bracket to a post or wall for extra stability.

3.       Use a mallet to drive the trellis into the ground. Don’t use a hammer, as this can damage the trellis. If the ground is too hard, dig a hole first, and then backfill the hole once the trellis is in place.

4.       After the trellis is in the ground, use a level to check for level and plumb.

5.       If you are adding a climbing vine to your trellis, plant the vine at the base of the trellis and wind the longer vines through the holes in the trellis, as desired.

6.       Ask your local nursery which vining plants are best for your area. Some of the heartiest vining plants which are commonly used with trellises include morning glory, clematis, wisteria and grape. Keep in mind that vining plants grow much faster than other types of plants.

7.       If you are installing your trellis and vine along the wall of your home, be careful to avoid your foundation drainage system. The roots of your vining plants may become entangled in the drainage system.

8.       Keep in mind that full-grown vines can be quite heavy; therefore, it is in your best interest to secure your trellis to a fixed post or wall using a heavy-duty bracket.

9.       Consider installing a trellis on the side of your home that receives the most sun exposure. A trellis can act as an effective sun shade, reducing the indoor temperature of your home and shading it from the sun’s hot rays.