How to install a trellis against a wall (2024)

FAQs

How do you attach a trellis to the wall? ›

Neatly slot the panel in place, attaching it to the battens with your wood screws through the brackets you've attached. It should be fixed into the wall or fence firmly and above the ground – consistent contact between the base of your trellis and the moist ground may encourage rot.

Give it space

Depending on the size of your trellis depends on the size of the batten, but it should generally be between 30mm and 60mm. Fix the battens to the fence or wall at the points where the top and bottom of your trellis will sit. If your trellis is particularly big, you might want to add one in the middle too.

Drive the post into the ground close to the house using a post driver or sledge hammer, like a foot away, so the heaviest part of the post is all underground. Then prop the trellis against the post, and wire it tightly every 1 foot or so, until the trellis is secure.

You will mount your trellis/lattice to wooden posts to create this space. To start, space the posts out about 60cm apart from each other. Then attach the posts to your fence or wall using wall plugs and screws, and nail the trellis/lattice to your posts.

The easiest way to grow a twining vine against a flat wall is with the use of a wooden, metal (preferably rust proof) or plastic trellis. Space the trellis or other support structure at least an inch away from the wall. I use a stretchy plastic tie-tape to train vines to the structure.

Buy a couple of pieces of rebar from Home Depot or Lowes. Hammer one piece of rebar next to each leg of the trellis. Use wire to wrap around the wooden leg and the rebar to secure it. I use rebar that is cut to 2 feet in length.

Trellis help you cover a wall with climbing plants without worrying about them damaging the structure of the wall. Don't secure the trellis flush against the wall as this will leave no room for your climbers to twine around it and prevent air circulation around your plants.

For a visual and architectural interest I wanted some variety in our trellises, plus for the trees it's recommended to have at least 9˝ of space between the trellis and a building for good air flow. Hence this easy plan for a free standing garden trellis was hatched.

While trellis can be attached directly to a wall using wall plugs and screws, we always recommend the use of wooden battens. The batten will distance the trellis slightly from the wall allowing better air circulation which will reduce the risk of fungal infections in the plant.

How to attach trellis to wall without drilling? ›

You can attach wires or otherwise extend the top of the trellis so you can attach to the roof edge fascia board. You'll likely need to make a couple of holes by screwing it to the fascia, but at least you will have avoided holes in the siding.

If you are attaching your trellis to a fence panel or a stone/brick wall, then you will need to screw it in place. Drill some evenly spaced pilot holes on the vertical battens and then screw in your stainless-steel screws through the trellis and into the fence panel.

Use Sturdy Anchors

The key to a stable freestanding trellis is using sturdy anchors. At H Potter, all our trellises, obelisks, and arbors come complete with ground spikes designed to securely anchor your trellis. These spikes are built to handle various soil types without the need for additional purchases.

Mortar lines are easier to drill and can be filled with a quick mortar mix if needs be. However, bricks do generally give a better fixing point so for VERY heavy items you may still want to fix in to the brick.

I use a trellis of those 6-foot metal stakes with a plate at the bottom. They're commonly sold at home centers and hardware stores. I pound those in 4 feet apart and far enough that the plates are in the ground. Then I use twisty-ties to secure a sheet of concrete-reinforcing wire to the stakes.