Trellis

A garden trellis is an architectural structure, usually made from an open framework or lattice of interwoven or intersecting pieces of wood, bamboo or metal that is normally made to support and display climbing plants, like shrubs.

Although considered a decorative feature, garden trellis offers practicality and is often used to support climbing plants and vines and can even serve as a fence.

Sections of garden trellis help improve the appearance of utility areas and are often used to edge flower beds, or as a surround for waste bins or skirting at the bottom of decks and porches.

Only if the combined height stays within 2 metres, because trellis counts towards the height of a boundary fence. A standard 6ft (1.83m) panel plus a 300mm trellis topper comes to 2.13m, which takes it over the limit for a fence without planning permission in England, and the limit drops to 1 metre where the fence runs beside a road or public footpath. The simple way round it is to pair a 1.5m panel with a 300mm trellis for a 1.8m total, or a 1.2m panel with 600mm trellis. Rules differ in conservation areas and for listed buildings, so check with your council if you are unsure, and never fix trellis to a fence your neighbour owns without asking. 

Our square lattice is built from 16 x 38mm battens fixed with ring shank nails, which makes it rigid enough to stand as a fence in its own right or sit on top of a fence in wind. The diamond lattice panels use a 46mm rebated frame with 40mm battens stapled into it and 70mm gaps, giving a more decorative look for screens and plant supports. Lightweight or expanding trellis sold in garden centres is fine for a sweet pea on a sheltered wall, but it sags under a rose or clematis after a couple of seasons and will not take a fence top. 

Our trellis panels are 1.8m (6ft) wide rather than a full 2m, which is the width that fits a standard fence bay, and heights run from 300mm up to 1.8m. The square lattice and rectangle diamond lattice come in 300, 600, 900, 1200, 1500 and 1800mm heights, the convex diamond lattice in 300, 450 and 600mm for curved fence tops, and the Omega diamond lattice is a single 1.8m panel that rises from 1.6m at the edges to 1.8m at the centre. If you need a true 2m width, two 900mm high panels turned on their side or a panel trimmed at the frame are the usual answers. 

Fix trellis to the posts, not the fence panel, and hold it off a wall on battens. On a timber fence, screw the trellis frame to the posts with exterior screws, extending the posts first if it is going on top; a 2.4m or 2.7m fence post replaces a short one, or the trellis slides into the slot above the panel on slotted concrete posts of the right length. On a wall, plug and screw treated battens to the masonry, then screw the trellis to the battens, leaving a 40 to 50mm gap behind it so climbers can twine and air can circulate. Heavy duty panel clips and screws are on our fixings and finishings page. 

For most climbers a diamond lattice with 70mm gaps and slim 40mm battens is the best support, because tendrils and twining stems can wrap the battens. Clematis, honeysuckle, jasmine and sweet peas all do well on our rectangle and Omega diamond lattice panels. Heavier, woody climbers such as roses and wisteria need the strongest frame, which is the square lattice with its 16 x 38mm nailed battens. All our panels are pressure treated, so there is nothing to apply before planting; if you want colour, stain the trellis before the plants go in. 

Yes, though on its own trellis is a partial screen rather than a solid one. A 1.8m x 1.8m square lattice panel fixed to 100 x 100mm posts gives an instant boundary that breaks sightlines, lets light and wind through, and avoids the overbearing feel of a solid fence between a patio and a neighbour. Full privacy comes once climbers fill it in, which takes a season or two with fast growers and gives year-round cover if you choose an evergreen such as star jasmine or an evergreen clematis. 

Buying is cheaper for any standard size. A heavy duty square lattice panel starts at around £12 including VAT for 300mm x 1.8m and about £29 for a full 1.8m x 1.8m. Making the same panel yourself needs roughly 30 metres of treated batten, a frame, exterior fixings and a few hours, which costs more in materials alone before you count the treatment. Making your own only wins for odd shapes, a non-standard width, or a very light support for a single plant where an off-cut of batten will do.

For anything that has to stand up to wind or carry a mature climber, a factory-made rectangle diamond lattice or square lattice panel is the better value.