How to Put up a Trellis

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

A trellis is a useful structure for a yard or garden. It gives climbing plants and flowers a place to grow and prevents them from damaging the siding of your house. A trellis can also lend visual interest to a landscape when plants lie dormant. Follow these steps to put up a trellis.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid1387516-v4-728px-Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This distance will give you space to access the back of the trellis for pruning and maintenance and allow air to flow freely to the trellis' plants. [1]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/00\/Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/00\/Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid1387516-v4-728px-Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Mark their places on the ground.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6f\/Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6f\/Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid1387516-v4-728px-Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Make sure the holes go deep enough to clear the ground's frost line. [2]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid1387516-v4-728px-Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The gravel will act as drainage. Tamp the gravel in the holes. [3]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d8\/Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d8\/Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid1387516-v4-728px-Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The foot of its uprights should be next to your dug postholes.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/aid1387516-v4-728px-Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Have at least 1 other person help you with this.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid1387516-v4-728px-Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Check that it is even and add more gravel to make the trellis level as necessary.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/01\/Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/01\/Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/aid1387516-v4-728px-Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  9. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/88\/Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/88\/Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/aid1387516-v4-728px-Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Place 2-inch deep by 4-inch wide (5 by 10 cm) boards on the sides of the trellis. Drill holes and screw the boards for the trellis into place. [4]
  10. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/aid1387516-v4-728px-Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use a mixture of soil and gravel. Tamp down the dirt and gravel for every 6 inches (15 cm) that you fill.
  11. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7a\/Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7a\/Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/aid1387516-v4-728px-Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  12. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/aid1387516-v4-728px-Put-up-a-Trellis-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    [5]
    13. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Leave 12 inches (30 cm) of clearance space between the trellis' bottom frame and the ground.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Use 2 by 4s (5 by 10 cm) made of cedar or pressure-treated wood, depending on the type of your wood trellis.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      • Mark the posthole digger's handles with tape at the depth for your trellis' holes. You will not then need to stop and measure the depth of each hole while digging it.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • These instructions for installing your trellis are for wooden trellises. Your trellis may be made of a different material and require different instructions.
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Trellis
      • Measuring tape
      • Tape for posthole digger's handles
      • Posthole digger
      • 50 lb. (22 kg) bags of 3/4-inch (1.9 cm) gravel
      • Small hand tamper
      • 1 or more human helpers
      • 2-foot (60 cm) level
      • Electric drill/screwdriver
      • 2 by 4 (5 by 10 cm) boards
      • Screws
      • Shovel

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Level a Sloping Garden
      How to
      Prune a Snowball Bush
      How to
      Make a Scarecrow
      How to
      Build a Mason Jar Herb Garden
      How to
      Cover Arborvitae for Winter
      How to
      Install Landscape Timbers
      2 Ways to Fix a Broken Terracotta Pot
      How to
      Make Concrete Planters
      How to
      Make a Mini Greenhouse
      How to
      Clean a Clogged Drip System
      How to
      Build a Vivarium
      How to
      Pollinate a Lemon Tree
      Growing Water Lilies: Care, Planting, and Blooming
      How to
      Make a Tandoor (Clay) Oven
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-build-trellis
      2. ↑ https://www.angieslist.com/articles/diy-garden-trellis.htm
      3. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-build-a-trellis/
      4. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-build-trellis
      5. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-build-trellis

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 89,822 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Brent

        Oct 13, 2021

        "This article showed how to fit the posts - easy. How do you fit the trellis between the posts without brackets?"
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement