How To Use Trellis for Planting and Privacy

Thinking of installing a trellis in your garden? Both decorative and functional, a trellis can serve a range of purposes, from supporting plants to decorating drab walls and obscuring certain areas from view. If that sounds like what you’re looking for, keep reading to learn all about the different uses for trellis in your garden and the various models available at AWBS.

What is a trellis?

Rooted in classic French baroque design, a trellis is an interconnecting framework pieced together to create a lattice square or diamond pattern. Available in a variety of styles and sizes, garden trellis designs can be freestanding, wall mounted or fence-top, and they are often made from wood which can be painted or stained to match your other garden furniture and accessories. Or you can opt for a simple trellis with a more rustic, sawn timber finish.

What can a trellis be used for?

1. Enhance an existing fence

Whether you’d like to add height to your fence or give it a facelift without fitting new panels, a trellis could be a great option. Simply attach the trellis panels to the top of your current fence to add visual interest and an extra layer of privacy. The additional height will also help protect your flower beds from wayward footballs that may fly over the fence from next door.

At AWBS, our trellis panels are all pressure-treated to withstand the elements and each framed design comes in a choice of heights. For a hint of warmth, the Highgrove Square Trellis in golden brown is ideal, while the Alderley Lattice Trellis features a lighter wood tone.

2. Decorate a blank wall

Got a blank or ugly wall that you’d like to revamp? A garden trellis can easily be fitted to an external wall using screws and brackets. Once in position, you can decorate it however you like. For example, you could grow climbing flowers such as wisteria, clematis, sweet pea or roses from a planter beneath up onto the trellis to create a pretty floral focal point.

Alternatively, you could add depth by hanging small potted plants on the trellis instead. Or, if you enjoy evening meals on the patio, why not integrate solar-powered fairy lights into your wall-mounted trellis? This sparkly backdrop is sure to set the scene for any al fresco dinner.

3. Add privacy to overlooked areas

Diamond trellis designs with tightly interwoven strips of wood are perfect for enhancing your garden’s privacy. They obscure your outside space from view while allowing light to shine through. This makes them a great choice for homes that are overlooked by neighbouring houses, especially if you have a hot tub, paddling pool or an area dedicated to sunbathing.

These decorative lattice screens are also useful for gardens located next to paths and roads, as well as those that neighbours have to pass through to get to their own backyard. Plus, you can increase the privacy level further with climbing plants that will drape over any gaps.

4. Define a boundary

If you’d like to edge your garden’s boundary with something other than a solid fence, why not opt for a stylish and sturdy trellis panel? Less obtrusive than typical fencing, the Elite St. Meloir Trellis with rebated frame and chamfered top is a stunning addition to any outdoor space. As well as being specially treated to prevent wood rot, its clever design also makes it less likely to be blown down in high winds, as any gusts will pass straight through the gaps.

In addition, trellis panels can be used to frame a deck or patio. They’re also a simple way to define different zones in your garden. For instance, to separate flower beds and vegetable patches from the lawn where children and pets play.

5. Provide support for vine crops

Alongside providing structure for climbing flowers, a garden trellis is also a must-have for green-fingered fruit and vegetable growers for several reasons. Firstly, by training crops to grow upwards, a trellis enables you to grow more in a small patch. Secondly, food grown vertically is much easier to gather when ripe as there’s less bending involved. And thirdly, keeping crops off the ground will help to prevent rotting, especially in wet weather.

An obelisk style trellis will provide optimum support for delicate peas and beans, while a heavy duty grid trellis is ideal for larger vine crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, squash and even weighty melons. And, if you don’t have space for a full veg patch, you can plant crops in pots and then secure them to a wall-mounted trellis as they grow to prevent breakage.

6. Disguise a shed or unsightly area

Whether you want to revive a tired old shed, conceal a bulky oil tank or camouflage an unsightly bin storage area, a well-placed trellis offers the perfect disguise. When it comes to sheds and garages, you can attach a square garden trellis directly onto the wood panelling or door. As well as covering any defects, this can then be used to display colourful potted plants and to hang gardening tools and watering cans for a contemporary yet practical look.

When it comes to concealing oil tanks and bins, a diamond criss-cross trellis design will provide the most coverage, without limiting air circulation. Just make sure that you only screen the most visible side, so that you can still gain access as and when you need to.

Find the perfect garden trellis at AWBS

Now that we’ve provided the inspiration, it’s time to choose the perfect trellis for your garden. At AWBS, we stock a myriad of trellis products from wall-mounted diamond designs to fence-top square panels and freestanding obelisks for growing fruit and vegetables.

Additionally, we also supply a number of garden arches, arbours and pergolas that feature trellis detailing. This helps to soften the timber’s appearance, add privacy to seating areas and incorporate colour and sweet scents into your garden structure with climbing flowers.

Whichever look you’re going for, browse our full range of trellis designs online or visit our Oxford, Yarnton or Swindon branches to view our products in person and gain advice from the experts. Once you’ve made your choice, enjoy fast and free local delivery within 25 miles of our stores for your convenience.