Trellis fence panels can add beauty and functionality to gardens when properly selected and installed. With many types available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best ones for your space. This guide covers key considerations when deciding on trellis panels to suit your garden’s style and purpose.
Why Install Trellis Panels
Before browsing trellis panel options, first, clearly identify your primary reasons for wanting to incorporate one in your landscape. Some of the most popular motivations homeowners have for installing trellis fence sections include:
- Defining spaces or borders – Trellises make excellent garden partitions or perimeter fencing to delineate functional zones without fully blocking views or light. A row of latticework can designate a secluded sitting area or nook within a broader space.
- Supporting climbing plants or flowering vines – Trellises provide the ideal upright structure for cultivating plants upwards rather than outwards saving ground space. Blooms like roses, jasmine, honeysuckle and clematis will gracefully ascend wooden, metal or vinyl panels.
- Adding privacy or seclusion – More opaque styles of trellis fencing, especially privacy lattice and overlapping panels, increase the sense of solitude and serenity in garden retreats. Strategically placed trellis barriers establish intimacy with neighbours.
- Enhancing overall aesthetic appeal – On their own as standalone garden focal points or incorporated among other architectural elements, trellises infuse vertical interest and natural artistry through striking shadows and elegant silhouettes.
Once you clearly define your motivations and intended functionality, you can narrow down preferred materials, sizes, designs and placements to suit that specific purpose, whether boosting botanicals or beautifying space.
Key Trellis Materials & Priorities
Common trellis materials:
- Wood – Most natural looking and versatile for styles, but requires the most weatherproofing and maintenance.
- PVC Vinyl – Budget-friendly, low maintenance and won’t rot, splinter or degrade. Can look artificial.
- Metals – Wrought iron, aluminium and steel are architectural and withstand weather but cost more.
- Composites – Blend plastic and wood fibres for a durable, stable hybrid resembling wood without as much upkeep.
Consider your climate, maintenance preferences and budget when deciding on materials for both aesthetics and durability. For instance, wood needs more weatherproofing in rainy regions but offers unmatched natural variety.
Measure Garden Dimensions
Sketch your entire garden to scale, marking permanent structures and features. This visual clarifies open space to work within and best trellis positioning.
Use a tape measure to accurately capture dimensions between fixed points that trellis posts and spans will need to fit within. Note total lengths needing coverage for tailoring custom trellis dimensions.
Typical trellis sizing:
- Heights – 4 to 8 feet tall
- Widths – 3 to 7 feet wide (narrower for taller sections)
- Post Size – 2 to 4-inch diameters (bigger for larger vines)
Custom-fit prevents awkward gaps in coverage.
Style & Design Harmony
Explore diverse trellis styles to find looks that suit your existing landscape vision for continuity rather than disjointed contrast. Consider factors like:
- Visual density and airiness
- Organic or geometric patterns
- Colour tone schemes
- Accent textures mimicking wood grain, stone, etc
- Ornate or plain simple designs
For instance, a vibrant, lush garden matches airy wood lattices allowing plants to shine. A sleek modern landscape deserves an equally polished trellis matching the colour palette.
Calculate the Number of Panels Needed
Redo your garden sketch with ideal prospective trellis placement and measurements between access paths to determine coverage distances.
For example, wanting lattice perimeter fencing on three patio sides totalling 45 feet with a 1-foot gap every 10 feet = 45 feet total span needing coverage. Divide span by 4-foot panel width:
45 feet ÷ 4 feet per panel = About 11 full panels + 1 partial panel
Use total linear footage needing coverage and divide by the chosen panel width to calculate the needed quantity.
Clacton Landscapes – Full Service Support
Clacton Landscapes can provide guidance consultation tailored to your property’s needs. Simply get in touch with our team today – we handle everything from permits to pro panel installation so you can simply enjoy your perfect garden retreat!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most affordable trellis material to suit tight budgets?
Generally, basic plastic PVC is the most cost-effective thanks to its durability, low maintenance and installation ease. But also compare value composites balancing quality and price.
How challenging is DIY trellis installation?
With proper structural planning for bracing plus basic building skills, many opt for DIY projects using prefab panel kits and posts to reduce costs through sweat equity savings. But complicated builds often benefit from pro help.
How should I properly anchor trellis posts in the ground?
For stability, dig holes at least 24 inches deep and 8-12 inches wide based on post thickness. Fill holes with drainage gravel, set posts centred and bond with concrete to prevent shifting from frost, vines or winds.
What distance should I space posts spanning my trellis panels?
A standard recommendation is 8-foot post spans to safely bear average fence weight and vine loads. But taller or denser panels, porous soils and expectations for abundant plant coverage will reduce maximum supported lengths between posts so plan wisely!
What simple steps can prevent wood trellis rot over time?
Choose naturally rot-resistant cedar or redwoods. Elevate panels off damp soil. Stain annually with weatherproofing sealant matched for wood type. Fix minor damage quickly before moisture seeps deeper. And detach vines in winter to limit fence moisture retention.