Diamond Trellis

The primary purpose of a trellis is to support climbing plants such as clematis or morning glory. But a trellis also serves as a visually pleasing vertical design element that offers additional benefits, including blocking sun and wind. Paired with a pergola overhead structure, a trellis can provide a living screen to create an intimate nook in the landscape. Or, placed against a home or wall, a trellis adds a cottage feel to a landscape design, allowing plantlife to scale its wooden rungs and add green character to any space.

To be sure, a trellis is eye candy for a landscape. But it also must be functional, and it should accommodate the space where you want to place it and the plants it will support. So before you dig in to this project, think first: What is the purpose for this trellis? What are the growing habits of the vines that will climb the structure? Fast growers, for example, require either a taller trellis or constant pruning. Also consider what, if anything, you are trying to cover up with a trellis. Perhaps it is a utility area with garbage cans or recycling bins; maybe it is a compost area; or, it might even be an unsightly view that is not part of your property.

You can experiment with the trellis motif—how cedar pieces are arranged in patterns to form the wall. You may try diamonds, or mimic existing themes in your garden. Trellises can be polished off with a bright coat of white paint. If they are built with exterior-rated lumber or even nonwood materials, they can be left unfinished to weather naturally. Because you can buy standard trellis material in lattice form and in a few simple shapes at garden centers, strive for something a little more unique if you are building the trellis yourself. At the very least, use good sturdy stock and exterior-rated screws to create a trellis that will last for many growing seasons.