Tips for Choosing and Placing an Outdoor Trellis
Location
Set your trellis up where it will get plenty of sunlight to ensure healthy growth for your plants. The available space and layout of your garden also determine the type of trellis you choose. For smaller gardens or outdoor spaces, a leaning or wall-mounted trellis might be the ideal option. If you have a large space, a freestanding trellis may work better. Your trellis can also serve as a privacy screen if placed near a fence or a wall.
Materials
Popular trellis materials include vinyl, metal and wood. Metal trellises, such as steel, are durable, weather-resistant and good for heavier plants. Vinyl options are low-maintenance and won’t rot or rust, while wood options offer a natural appearance. Opt for a rustic wooden trellis for a cottage-style garden and a modern metal one for a more contemporary outdoor space.
Plant Selection
Climbing plants like vines, roses and flowering shrubs are suitable for trellises. Choose the types of plants that can thrive in your climate. The growing habits of your plants can also influence your trellis idea.
You can also grow vegetables on your garden trellis. Pole beans like green beans are ideal for growing on trellises since they climb readily along with peas like snap peas and snow peas. Cucumbers and tomatoes can also benefit from the support.
The shape of your trellis depends on whether your plants tend to climb vertically or spread horizontally. When selecting plants, learn about their maintenance habits like pruning, watering and fertilizing.
Cattle Panel Trellis
A cattle panel is essentially a welded wire mesh that boasts a strong structure and long lifespan — which is why it’s typically used to keep cattle and livestock fenced in. In our case, we’re using it as a unique, modern alternative to traditional garden trellises to transform the look of your garden. All you need to do is pair it with the right plants and flowers. Some options include clematis, honeysuckle and morning glory.
Set this trellis up in a level area of your garden that’s free of debris and keep it in place by attaching it to sturdy posts using metal brackets or clamps. Temporary solutions like zip ties may also work.
Wall-Mounted Trellis
Whether you’re short on space or just want to add living decoration to the walls of your patio or other outdoor area, consider a hanging trellis. These trellises can be attached to walls, fences, pergolas or ceilings, giving you vertical growing space for climbing plants, vines and vegetables. Here, a suspended planter hangs from the side of a shed with the trellis installed above it. Make sure to anchor your trellis into structural framing for stability and use outdoor-rated hardware, chains, ropes or cables to securely fasten it to the surface.
Planter Box Trellis
Planter box trellises are another great option for smaller outdoor patios or balconies, allowing you to add greenery and liven up your space no matter the size. On this petite porch, three rectangular planters with trellises fitted inside are set up against the porch railing — still leaving room for a cozy bistro set.
Make sure you set up your small-space trellis where it’ll get enough sunlight and choose a design that complements your patio style.
Here are some other garden ideas to try in small spaces.
Flower Trellis Backdrop
Turn your basic flower bed into floral focal point by using a trellis as a backdrop. Colorful flowering vines and shrubs are perfect pairings for this trellis idea: think climbing roses. A flower trellis backdrop can also create a privacy wall between your garden or patio and any neighboring areas.
Garden Arbor
A garden arbor creates a decorative, inviting entrance or a stunning transition between outdoor spaces. Whether you pair it with a fence or use it as a stand-alone feature in your garden, it’s a beautiful way to make a statement in your landscape, and you can find arbors with arched, flat and peaked roofs. Use the built-in trellis sides and top of the arbor to support climbing plants, such as bougainvillea, to create a gorgeous feature.
Consider the layout of your garden to decide where to place the arbor, as well as the style of the arbor. Here, vine tendrils climb up a timeless wooden arbor that frames the beginning of a stone pathway.
Trellis Seating Area
Adding a seating area in your garden infused with greenery or flowers creates a warm and inviting space. This idea takes your garden arbor trellis up a notch, providing a relaxing, shaded and private spot to enjoy your outdoor space. Build your own with a bench or a swing.
Make sure you set up your seating area in a spot that receives enough sunlight for the plants on the trellis to thrive and choose a design that complements any existing patio furniture or other landscape features. For plants, vines or flowering shrubs are great options.
Decorative Metal Trellis
Whether you’re looking for something that’s sleek and minimal or a more detailed design, this trellis idea is perfect for bringing lasting architectural style to your garden space. Choose from simple arched designs to motifs of scroll work, swirls and geometric patterns depending on the look you’re going for.
Climbing plants like vines with delicate foliage or flowers enhance the beauty of this trellis style, as seen here, tucked behind a planter to create an elegant welcome on a front porch. Most metal trellises are easy to install, staking into the ground or coming with pre-drilled holes and any necessary hardware for simple set up.
Privacy Trellis Wall
A trellis wall is a stylish way to bring privacy and seclusion to your garden or outdoor space. You can create a trellis wall by attaching multiple trellises together and allowing climbing plants to fill in openings to block unwanted views. A trellis wall can also screen things around your home like trash and recycling bins, pool equipment and utility boxes. Use them as a way to add privacy to an outdoor shower or to section off “rooms” or workspaces in your garden.
Whether your wall trellis will be freestanding, attached to a fence or mounted to a wall, make sure it’s tall and wide enough to meet your needs, and that it’s securely installed to the ground or structure and sturdy enough to support the weight of the plants.
If you want the privacy but not the upkeep of real plants, a leaf trellis is an alternative option. These trellises feature faux leaves, making it easy to set up and give you the look you want with less maintenance.
Indoor Trellis
You can use a trellis for indoor climbing and trailing plants too. A trellis in a potted plant can help it grow upward and help save space, and it can sometimes be more beneficial for the plant since it can encourage larger and healthier leaves. Indoor trellises are often mini versions of their outdoor counterparts and come in fun shapes and designs, like circles, arches, ladders and fans. If you have plants such as pothos, hoyas, jasmine or string of hearts, try a trellis to play with their growth habit.