As previously discussed in How to attach trellis panels to a fence, trellis is a great addition to any outdoor space but for those without fencing, trellis can be also be installed up against a wall enabling precious climbers to flourish anywhere.
Prepare the trellis
Before installing your trellis, you should treat it with a wood stain and protector or shed and fence wood treatment. All our trellis panels are made from pressure treated wood but once installed and covered by an established climber, your trellis will be difficult, if not impossible, to treat further, so doing it right from the start will give the trellis the maximum protection.
Use battens to give plants space
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. It will also create space for climbing plants to spread and attach themselves to the trellis and room for you to tie plants in as they climb higher.
Attaching wooden battens
For battens to be hidden from view, choose ones that are no wider than the timber of the trellis. Battens should be attached to the wall to coincide with where the top and bottom of the trellis will sit. For taller trellis, consider a support batten in the middle. Using a spirit level, mark the position of the battens, before drilling holes directly into the wall and knocking wall plugs into them. Then, screw through the batten into the wall and tighten. The trellis can be drilled directly into the battens but remember to leave a gap between the bottom of the trellis and any ground beneath it (30-45cm), to avoid rotting and to avoid compromising any damp proof course.
Types of trellis
Before choosing your trellis, think about the mature size of your climbing plants. Most will start off small but when you consider the weight and ultimate spread of a fully established climbing rose, for example, you need to ensure that your trellis is big enough. To ensure your trellis is manufactured from good quality timber, always buy from a reputable and trusted supplier like Witham Timber.
Trellis from Witham Timber
At Witham Timber, we stock a heavy duty rectangular diamond lattice trellis panel with a strong rebated framework that is available in various sizes from 30cm to 180cm. Our heavy duty square lattice trellis panel is available in imperial sizes from 1 foot to 6 feet. We also stock a set size fan shaped trellis panel, that is 2 feet at its widest point and 8 inches at the bottom.
Alternatives to trellis
There are some properties that do not have an appropriate outdoor space to accommodate a trellis, for example a flat or apartment with a balcony garden. The ideal solution is a square lattice and planter or a rectangular planter and lattice. For seasonal climbers such as annual sweet peas, the Marberry obelisk planter is perfect.
If you have any questions about attaching trellis to a wall or would like to discuss our range of timber garden planters, email us at sales@withamtimber.co.uk or call 01205 359188 for a friendly chat.