Trellis is an instant way to screen or divide off parts of your garden without casting too much shade. As well as making an attractive feature in its own right, trellis can be used to support lightweight climbers.

Fixing a Trellis to a Wall

To fix a lightweight trellis above a masonry wall, attach long battens of 50 x 20 mm (2 x 3/4 in) timber to the sides of the trellis and screw them to the wall.

If the trellis is to be fixed against the wall, you will need to allow at least 25 mm (1 in) between the wall and the trellis for good air circulation. Securely attach vertical wooden battens to the wall and also to the trellis. The trellis may then be fixed to the wall battens either permanently, using screws, or with hooks and hinges to allow the plant and support to be lowered or removed if needed.

Fixing a Trellis to a Fence

To attach trellis panels to a fence with timber posts, use metal post extenders. Remove the post cap and slide the metal extender over the top of the post. Insert the required length of extension post and replace the original cap on top of the extension.

Fixing Free-Standing Trellis

For a free-standing trellis, panels may be fixed to fence posts in the same way as ordinary fence panels. A trellis screen is only as strong as its supports, so you must make sure that you use proper fence posts that have been pressure-impregnated with preservative and that you take the time to anchor them securely in the ground.

1. Mark out the line of the trellis screen with pegs and string.
2. Lay the panels on the ground so you can mark the position of the posts.
3. Choose a method to anchor your posts; either knock in a metal fencing post, or dig a hole and fill with hardcore. Alternatively, if you are putting up your trellis on a hard surface such as a patio, bolt down a post holder using a masonry bit and a spanner to secure the nuts.
4. Posts should be square on to the marked line - use a spirit level to check this.