How to fit a trellis to a fence and wall

Trellises are a perfect addition if you are in the process of transforming your garden. Some fences have trellises running along the top, but the process is an easy DIY project if you have a plain fence or wall and want to add one for climbing plants to your garden-scape.

If you have a green thumb and want to dabble in climbing plants or vegetables, trellises can provide the support and structure to achieve this gardening goal.

There are many garden trellises to suit your outdoor space, which can stand on their own, complement a walkway, or attach to a wall or fence.

In this guide, we’ll explain what a trellis is and outline all the different types you can get to transform your outdoor space. We will also give detailed instructions on installing a trellis to an existing fence or wall so you can begin your horizontal garden right away.

Table of contents:

• What is a trellis?
• How to attach a trellis to a fence
• How to put up a trellis on a brick wall

What is a trellis?

A trellis is a structure used in gardening and agriculture to support climbing plants and vines. Made from a lattice of interwoven or intersecting metal, wood or plastic pieces, it gives climbing plants like tomatoes, beans, peas, and various flowering vines something to latch on and supports stems to grow upwards or in a particular direction.

As well as functional growing supports for your climbing flowers and vegetables, trellises can be an aesthetically pleasing addition to your garden. There are a few different types of trellises you can choose for your garden; here are the main ones:

Wall-mounted trellises

These are attached to walls or fences and support climbing plants like roses, wisteria, ivy, clematis or jasmine. 

Freestanding trellises

You can move these independent structures or screens anywhere in your garden. They’re great for acting as a screen to section your garden into different zones. They usually have feet to stabilise them, and some have flower boxes at their base to allow you to grow climbing plants. However, these could still risk falling over in areas with strong winds.

Arches and arbours

Arches and arbours featuring trellises are often used as decorative elements in gardens, straddling a garden path or entrance. They allow plants to climb up creating a passageway covered by plants.

Espalier Trellises

Espalier trellises are usually used for fruit trees and some plants to allow you to prune and train them to grow flat. They usually consist of wooden posts with a lattice of wire or string that the stems or branches grow along. In agriculture, you will usually find the posts staved into the ground, and the trees grow in rows. Whereas in a garden, these can line a fence, using the posts of your fence instead or by attaching the wire lattice to a wall.

How to attach a trellis to a fence

Attaching a trellis to a fence can support climbing plants and add an aesthetic element to your garden. However, always ensure your fence is sturdy enough to support the additional weight of the trellis and the climbing plants. Here is an easy-to-follow step-by-step guide on attaching a trellis to a fence.

Steps:

1. Measure and mark: Determine where your trellis will sit on your fence; use a measuring tape to measure equal distances between the posts so it’s centre, and mark the position where you want the trellis to attach to the fence. You will need anchor points at the top and bottom of the trellis. Use your spirit level to ensure the marks are level. However, if the fence panel is too thin, you may have to fix the trellis to the fence post if it’s wooden.
2. Drill pilot holes: Now drill pilot holes where you marked the fence to help prevent the wood from splitting.
3. Attach the trellis: Hold the trellis panel against the fence, aligning it with the pilot holes. Use screws or bolts to attach the trellis to the fence. Use screws that are long enough to secure the trellis but not too long that they penetrate through to the other side of the fence. If you’re using wooden battens, attach them first and then the trellis.
4. Final checks: Check the trellis is securely attached and does not wobble. Add additional screws or battens if it needs extra stability.
5. Guide plant: Use zip ties, garden wire, or string to gently secure your plants to the trellis. Wrap them around the lattice to encourage upwards growth.

How to put up a trellis on a brick wall

Attaching a trellis to a brick wall is similar to a fence. However, the tougher material requires equipment and tools specifically for brick.

Follow the steps as you would above. But when you come to the hole drilling, follow these specific steps.

1. Drill pilot holes: Drill the pilot holes at the marked points on the brick wall using a drill with a masonry bit. Drill into the mortar joints rather than the brick to avoid damaging them and to ensure a secure hold. The depth of the holes should be slightly longer than the length of the screws or wall plugs you use.
2. Insert wall plugs: Insert the wall plugs into the drilled holes. Tap them gently with a hammer to ensure they are flush with the wall surface.
3. Attach the trellis: Hold the trellis against the wall, aligning it with the drilled holes or wall plugs. Use masonry screws to attach the trellis to the wall. Ensure that the screws are tightened securely but not so tight that they damage the trellis or wall plugs.
4. Using wooden battens (optional): If you’re using wooden battens or spacers, attach them to the wall first and then secure the trellis to them. Spacers provide a gap between the trellis and the wall, allowing air circulation and space for the plant to wind around unhindered and prevent moisture buildup.

Trellises at Build & Plumb

Now you know where and how to put a trellis in your garden, it’s time to choose one. We have various shapes and sizes to browse, whether you want to add a garden trellis to your brick wall or along a fence. We have many trellises to help you achieve your gardening vision.

Related blogs:

• Steel, Concrete or Wood: The Ultimate Guide to Fence Posts
• How to Put Up a Fence
• How to Paint a Fence With a Roller & Brush