Trellis Buying Guide

Trellis fence panels are a wonderful addition to your garden landscape, allowing you to create completely sectioned-off areas. They come manufactured in a variety of styles, from planter trellis to wall trellis and the always popular fence top trellis. In this trellis buying guide, we cover all the ways you can use trellis panels in all areas of your garden or outside space. We thoroughly explore panel sizes, types of trellis and trellis as a fencing solution.

What is garden trellis?

A garden trellis is a structural framework, a type of garden architecture. We know trellis has been in use at least since Roman times as the gardens of Pompeii often featured various types of trellises and pergolas, which were used to support climbing plants and vines.

Trellis is made from materials like wood, metal or plastic, and is often used to support climbing plants. Trellis frameworks are typically composed of latticework or an open grid of intersecting strips. Trellises help plants such as vines, ivy, clematis and climbing roses to grow vertically, providing both functional support, wonderful fragrance and decorative appeal.

Trellises can be free-standing, attached to walls, or integrated into garden features like pergolas. The addition of a trellis not only supports plant growth but also enhances the visual interest and aesthetics of a garden space.

The value of trellis for climbing plants

A trellis is the backbone of any small or compact garden that relies on height, function and aesthetics. Buy a trellis if you want to support your climbing plants and guide their upward growth. This allows for more greenery in restricted places and ensures better sunlight exposure and air circulation.

When designing vertical gardens, a garden wall trellis is your ally and is used to create living walls. These can be made by attaching trellis to fences. Trellis is so adaptable it can bring life to bare spaces and add a touch of ‘nature’s artistry’ Trellis comes in all sorts of styles and materials.

When you are considering the cost of a trellis, think less about finance and more about what trellising your vertical garden can do for your quality of life. We think you will agree that the benefits outweigh the costs.

Advantages and disadvantages of trellis

There are numerous advantages and disadvantages of trellis, which we discuss below.

Ten trellis advantages

There are a huge number of advantages of trellis, that it is impractical to list them all. Below we summarise ten top trellis advantages:

1)    Aesthetic appeal

There is no doubt that a trellis laden with flourishing plants is visually stunning. Choose from a variety of appealing trellis options such as lush ivy trellis panels, arched trellis panels, ornamental trellis panels and a wide range of other decorative garden trellis panels.

2)    Child interactive learning

Encourages children's interest in gardening by giving them space on lattice trellis panels or garden trellis screening and seeing how much they love it. Children can observe climbing plants grow and intertwine with the trellis. This is a firsthand educational experience, possibly with rewards at the end, such as raspberries, cucumbers and other crops they may have grown.

3)    Cost-effectiveness

You will find that trellis cost is minimal compared to other fencing options. There are five main trellis panel sizes (from 6’x1’ up to 6’x6’), so you only buy the size you need. If buying decorative trellis panels is not a priority there are also more affordable cheap trellis panels available, which are still high-quality.

4)    Ease of maintenance

Just think about it and you will see that trellised plants are easier to prune, maintain and harvest. Trellis fencing is much more accessible and easier to manage than ground-spreading plants. An example is strawberries, which could easily be trained to grow up slatted trellis panels. This means the fruit more easily harvested whilst standing than having to collect lower down, where soil and slugs could spoil the crop.

5)    Encourages pollinator access

By using trellis for climbing plants, pollinators gain easier access to flowers. The elevated plants on various types of garden trellis give easy access to blooms for pollination. This will attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators to your garden. You would be encouraging the local ecosystem by facilitating pollination and increasing flower and fruit output and overall garden productivity.

6)    Garden division

Various trellis types can be used as functional garden dividers. Privacy trellis with full-grown plants is an ideal way to divide a garden and create distinct garden sections, such as using trellis for decking, or to separate a play area.

7)    Placement versatility

There are a variety of ways to place trellising. Examples include free-standing trellis screening panels, garden wall trellis panels and integrating with other garden structures such as pergolas or attaching trellis to a fence via fence top trellis. The choice is yours!

8)    Plant growth support

Trellis fence panels provide a sturdy structure for climbing plants to thrive, even by supporting heavy mature plants, which have significant weight.

9)    Privacy and seclusion

Homeowners often buy trellis for privacy and seclusion, particularly in certain areas of the garden. Maybe you have an area you want to keep away from prying eyes, such as an exercise or sunbathing area or where the children play, etc.

10)   Space optimisation

Garden trellis panels are a form of vertical gardening, i.e. they enable plants to have a structure to grow upwards. This is a great space-saver and allows you to maximise your garden space through vertical techniques rather than spreading out plants horizontally.

Disadvantages of garden trellis

For balance, here are three potential disadvantages of garden trellises, with suggested mitigations.

1)    Initial trellis cost

The initial cost of buying trellis may be off-putting or unaffordable to buyers, particularly if you are looking to buy the more expensive decorative garden trellis panels. The long-term investment to realise all the benefits above is well worthwhile though. One possible mitigation is to buy cheap trellis panels, we have a good selection of these available and they are still good quality.

2)    Increased maintenance

In some cases, adding a trellis for climbing plants increases the maintenance of managing the trellis itself.

• Wooden trellis panels

  Untreated or dip treated trellis fence panels will need annual treatment with a top-quality wood preservative to protect against rot and pests, as would other wooden fence panels

• Metal trellis panels

  Will need periodic treatment with rust inhibitor, as would other types of metal fencing

• Climbing plants

Larger perennials (e.g. clematis, climbing roses, and wisteria) will require significant pruning, tying, and training type-maintenance when grown on trellises to keep to the desired shape and size (N.B. maintenance tasks for these species would also be required if not grown on trellises)

3) Vulnerability to wind

Placement of trellis fencing is important. If possible, high-wind areas of a garden should be avoided as it could make plants more susceptible to damage from strong winds, particularly if the trellis collapses. Where high winds are likely, heavy-duty trellis panels designed to withstand winds are a great option. View our blog post on windproof fence panels here.

Step-by-step guide

Garden trellis remains as popular as ever in the UK, just take a drive and see for yourself how frequently gardens use trellis. With various trellis styles available, which one suits your garden best? If you are unsure, our garden trellis buying guide is here to assist! It covers all the essential aspects, including selecting the ideal trellis in manageable sections. Buy Fencing Direct guides you step-by-step through the decisions you need to make, including trellis panel sizes, types of garden trellis and much more.

Step 1: Trellis panel sizes

Trellis is known for its decorative qualities in fencing. Trellis panels are the most visually creative, and they are available in various sizes and styles to allow you to design your garden to meet your aesthetics or design style. We sell trellis fence panels in a selection of sizes from 6’x1’ through to 6’x6’ and every size in between. Our garden trellis panels are available in a wide selection of varieties, such as contemporary style and a more wistful lattice trellis with special trellis panels for hardy climbing plants like roses or jasmine. Let us look at what you can buy in the sizes listed below:

6’x1’ fence panels

Our 6’x1’ garden trellis panels are a valuable piece of garden architecture, used primarily for climbing plants as a trellis wall panel and as fill-in panels along the fence line. This tall, thin planter trellis can be attached to the wall or the garden planter to support climbing plants. Consider the Forest 6’x1’ Decorative Hidcote Diamond Wooden Lattice Trellis, which is perfect for raising the eyeline and lifting the focal point in small gardens while being a practical part of the garden landscape.

6’x2’ fence panels

Ideal for placing against a wall, 6’x2’ garden trellis panels are also perfect as a trellis for climbing plants and are double the width of the 6’x1’ version. This trellis fencing is multi-functional. As an example, look at the Forest 6’x2’ Rosemore Diamond Lattice. The Rosemore wooden trellis panels are also heavy-duty. 6’x2’ is also an excellent size for both planter and wall trellis. Our diamond trellis panels are pressure treated and are of great value, so if you are looking for cheap trellis panels, you are in the right place.

6’x3’ fence panels

If you are looking for trellis panels to section off the garden, the 6’x3’ size is excellent for partitioning. Trellis fence panels allow you to see through to other areas of your garden, combining functionality with durability. They are ideal for garden trellis screening and as a structure to support your climbing plants. A fantastic example of 6’x3’ wooden trellis panels is the Forest 6'x3' Heavy Duty Square Garden Trellis Fence Panel. They are a fine example of structural but decorative trellis panels.

6’x4’ fence panels

Garden trellis screening is available in 6’x4’ size, and it is possible to buy wall-mounted trellis panels in the same size as a substantial way to reinforce your climbing plants. A 6’x4’ privacy trellis is unobtrusive and easier to manage than larger sizes. The pressure treated Forest 6’x4’ Rosemore Diamond Lattice Trellis Panel is a fabulous example of sturdy engineering with longevity attached.

6’x6’ fence panels

The largest of all our trellis sizes, 6ft x 6ft trellis panels are a popular option. As decorative garden trellis panels go, this one is probably the most popular size for screening off areas. After all, you do not want to see bin stores or sections of your garden that have a specific purpose, like a work-from-home garden office. Heavy duty, attractive, but functional security screening can be found in the shape of a Forest 6’x6’ Heavy Duty Garden Trellis Fence Panel.

Step 2: Types of garden trellis

With so much choice, our garden trellis range has every type and style of decorative garden trellis panel. No matter your aesthetic choice or dream garden inspiration, we have garden trellis panels, privacy screening trellis panels, wall-hung trellis panels and planter trellis to suit every budget. Let us start with arched trellis panels and examine why this style is so adaptable.

1)    Arched trellis panels

Choose arched trellis panels, arched trellis fence toppers and arched topped fences create softer, more blendable lines for your garden fence line. As with all privacy trellis, arched trellis panels are brilliant at supporting your climbing plants. Arched-topped decorative fence panels are a favourite in country gardens or city gardens that want a country cottage feel.

2)    Diamond trellis panels

If you are looking for diamond trellis panels, look no further. Diamond trellis panels are referred to in this way because of how they look. The diamond style is made up of a crisscross design, they are available in varying sizes. Diamond trellis fence toppers can be used to create more height on your fence, offering security and privacy while allowing in light and supporting your climbing plants.

3)    Fence top trellis

A stylish addition to your garden scheme, fence top trellis, enhances generic fence panels. A lattice fence topper provides all the additional height you need without excluding your view or any light. A fence top trellis acts as architectural support for climbing plants and adds an attractive dimension to your fencing outlook.

4)    Slatted trellis panels

Add a contemporary edge with slatted trellis panels for your garden design. They are available in a selection of sizes and serve various purposes. You can choose from a vertical slatted garden screen panel or a horizontal double or single slatted garden trellis panel. Forest makes our premium wooden trellis panels, which are renowned for their style and longevity.

5)    Decorative trellis panels

Designed to impress, decorative garden trellis panels are a popular choice. They enable homeowners to choose ornate and elaborate decorative garden trellis panels or pared-down decorative garden trellis panels that add interest but do not overwhelm your garden scheme. The choice is vast to suit all gardening budgets.

6)    Ivy trellis panels

They are robust and designed to support heavy climbing plants like ivy or climbing roses, and ivy trellis panels are also budget friendly. Our wooden ivy trellis panels for sale are solid and attractive and will not break your budget. Buying ivy trellis panels is an excellent option for those looking for cheap trellis panels.

7)    Lattice trellis panels

Our best seller is the lattice trellis panel. These panels are often used to provide garden screening that adds to the overall appearance of the garden. There are many reasons why lattice trellis panels are a top-selling product, and the main ones seem to be the value for money along with the adaptability of the product.

8)    Garden wall trellis panels

Every garden needs a wall trellis to keep the climbing plants tidy. City or urban gardens often use wall trellis to grow plants up the wall. Where planting space is scarce, wall trellis panels are a gardener’s delight. We sell wall trellis panels in all shapes and sizes to suit the needs of small gardens.

9)    Square trellis panels

Functional and practical, square trellis panels provide a solid structure that can oversee all kinds of needs. From heavy climbing plants to solid security screening, square trellis panels are an adaptable addition to any traditional, classic, or contemporary garden scheme. Choose a square trellis panel for its no-nonsense aesthetics and long life span.

10)     Contemporary trellis panels

Contemporary (or modern trellis panels) make a statement in any large or small garden. They keep your plants contained in a minimalist and refined manner. No matter how modern your garden design is, we have a contemporary wooden trellis panel for your scheme. Modern-style gardens deserve contemporary trellis panels.

11)     Ornamental trellis panels

Made for ornamental gardens, ornamental trellis panels are perfect for sectioning off ponds and keeping cats away from your Koi Carp. Our ornamental trellis panels love blousy planting and wind-swept lawns. However, ornamental trellis panels look just as good in small urban gardens, obstructing the neighbour's view of your little bit of paradise.

12)     Willow trellis panels

Designed to reflect the willow tree, willow trellis panels are often made of willow for its flexible quality. While willow trellis panels are a speciality and can be quite expensive, they are a treat for your garden and your design aesthetics.

13)     Fan shaped trellis panels

A well-known product within the trellis family, fan shaped trellis panels are multipurpose. They work perfectly in conjunction with climbing roses and other climbing bushes that flower at the top of their growth (e.g., Trumpet Vine, and Wisteria, etc.,). It is also perfect for small, compact gardens that have pots and planters rather than large flower beds.

Step 3: Trellis fencing situations

There are almost no situations where trellis fencing does not solve your gardening dilemmas. We offer a comprehensive range of trellis fencing solutions, including options for noise redirection, uneven ground, and creating garden partitions. We are your go-to online store if you need trellis fencing for windy areas or trellis toppers you fix to existing boundary fences.

Noise-reducing trellis fencing

In the busy world we live in, reducing noise is a priority. Luckily, we sell noise-reducing trellis fencing, acoustic fence panels and noise-reduction garden gates. Noise reduction trellis fencing works in addition to acoustic noise reduction fence panels. The fence panels block the sound as they are constructed with no gaps between planks, often in a tongue and groove style. This kind of fence panel prevents the sound from penetrating because the noise cannot travel through. The trellis fence topper adds height and deflects the sound wave away from the garden.

Trellis fencing for uneven ground

If your garden suffers from uneven ground, then do not worry; we have a solution for you. It is possible to buy trellis fencing for uneven ground. The answer to most uneven ground problems is taking time to level out the land and use the step technique to adapt your trellis fencing to uneven ground. In rare situations, you can use gravel boards to level out uneven ground; if you plant them deep enough (8-12 inches), you can create a level surface for your trellis fencing. If you prefer not to use gravel boards, ground levelling before installation is another way to solve your problem.

Trellis fencing for windy areas

Trellis fencing is designed for windy areas. The open design means wind, even gales, can sail right through. If you are worried about installing a trellis fence in an extremely windy area, choose one with wide gaps and install it with care using concrete fence posts and tough fixings. Once your trellis fencing has been installed, you can rest easy so that it will not get blown over easily. We cannot vouch for a tornado that might put paid to any boundary fence, but plain wind should not be an issue.

Trellis fencing on a wall

An ultimate adornment, trellis fencing on a wall is a nice design feature in any garden scheme. Small or compact gardens, patios or courtyard gardens are crying out for trellis fencing on a wall, and we can see why. It is a budget-friendly way to upscale your outside space. Purchasing this trellis provides a multifunctional solution for significantly enhancing your garden. If your garden is tiny, trellis fencing on a wall will give the impression of space and vertical gardening for compact spaces answers your gardening problems.

Attaching trellis to an existing fence

Why would you do this? Well, attaching a trellis to an existing fence has several benefits. Firstly, a trellis attached like this saves your boundary fence from climbing plants. Heavy climbers will pull down your garden fence, whereas attaching your trellis to the fence prevents this. Adding a trellis to your fence is also an attractive addition to your garden scheme, creating a focal point that acts as a practical reinforcement and visual aid. Attaching trellis to your fence is an optimal solution for many UK gardens.

Buy trellis to conceal a bin store

Using trellis to conceal a bin store is an easy decision. Trellis panels were designed for exactly this purpose and work perfectly to screen off unsightly or private areas in your garden that you do not want on display.

While we sell a selection of attractive garden buildings, including bin stores, it makes sense to use a trellis to conceal your household waste. You can also use trellis to:

• Camouflage a compost heap
• The access to your shed or work from home location

Trellis is a multipurpose adaptable structure that garden designers use all the time to install practical interest into their garden designs.

Creating garden partitions with trellis

Another fantastic use of trellis panels is partitions or partitioning off areas you want to be separate from your main garden. Small trellis panels (typically 6’x3’) often line a path, keeping small children or pets away from your planting. You can divide your garden with trellis partition panels, for example:

• One area for grown-ups and the other for children
• A partitioned area that becomes an outdoor living space
• Outside dining space, which is more intimate when created with trellis fence panels

Step 4: Trellis fence protection

There are several ways to protect your trellis fence. The main method is to buy pressure treated fencing or dip treated trellis panels, which will provide inbuilt protection from the beginning. Once installed, your trellis fence panels will require regular maintenance and care. Let us look at the perils of using untreated trellis and all the trellis treatment options available to you.

The perils of using untreated trellis

Untreated trellis fence panels are generally unsuitable for British gardens. We do not recommend them or untreated fence panels in general, as they are a false economy. Using untreated trellis in your garden will lead to a host of issues, including pest and fungal infestation, damage due to weathering and rot.

Dip treated trellis fencing

The next step up from untreated is dip treated decorative trellis fencing and is a good way to protect your fence panels but not the best way. Dip treating is a method to treat your trellis fence panels and offers a guarantee of ten years. It is a budget-pleasing approach to look after your boundary fence, but choosing dip treated decorative trellis fencing will mean more time spent looking after your fence panels overall. These often cheap trellis panels are great for those who have time for annual maintenance and do not want a higher upfront trellis cost.

Pressure treated trellis panels

The crème de la crème of the decorative fencing world, pressure treated fence panels represent the premium choice for fence panel protective measures. Pressure treated timber has preservatives forced or pressurised into it, soaking through, and ensuring a lifespan of up to 15 years against rot. All fencing requires maintenance, but pressure-treated options have the best start in their gardening life.

Trellis treatment options

Numerous options are available for treating trellis. If you want to get ahead, start by buying dip-treated or pressure-treated trellis fence panels; you are halfway there. From that point on, you can buy wood preservatives to top up your protection levels and consider painting or staining your trellis with wood preserve or exterior/outside paint specially designed for wooden fencing.

Step 5: Integration of trellis fence panels with garden gates

Trellis and garden gates complement each other without taking anything away. Privacy trellis panels are the perfect companions for garden gates. You can easily attach them around and onto the gate. Opting for 6ft x 6ft trellis panels transforms your garden’s boundaries, allowing you to integrate the gate into your overall design.

This setup invites your climbing plants to weave their way over the trellis, embracing the garden architecture over time. Nature will if you let it reclaim the land. Your gate becomes so much more than an entry point, it evolves into a portal into your private paradise. The integration enhances the aesthetic appeal and provides a natural habitat for wildlife.

Step 6: Integration of trellis for decking

Just as a trellis and a garden gate work well together, incorporating a trellis into your decking area will enhance the charm and function of your outdoor space. Garden trellis screening provides a sturdy framework for all climbing plants and adds a vertical dimension for greenery that creates a sense of privacy and seclusion.

When integrated with decking, large trellis panels serve as a decorative feature or practical partition that defines different areas in your garden. Plant-filled trellis acts as a natural canopy, offering shade and a cooler area to relax on sunny days or a wind break that allows you to stay outside for longer on slightly less pleasant days. By choosing ornamental trellis panels, you can easily create an enjoyable garden office or standout dining area.

Step 7: Trellis fence posts

Selecting the best fence post is vital for successful trellising. Fence posts serve as the structural backbone of some trellis installation projects. They support the weight of climbing plants and generally withstanding the forces of nature.

Note: trellis fence panels do not always need fence posts. They can be attached to existing structures such as walls, garden buildings or even other fencing.

When installing your trellis-panelled fence, consider the following in relation to fence posts:

• Durability – correct fence post installation ensures fence stability
• Height – choose the right height fence post to suit your fence panel
• Strength – all fence posts are strong, but pressure treated fence posts are exceptionally resilient

The right fence post will ensure that your trellis fence panels remain in place and steadfast, maintaining their attractive but practical aspect in your garden.

Wooden fence posts

Probably the most popular fence posts available are wooden fence posts. These fence posts are available in various sizes and styles to suit all boundary fences.

You can view the entire range of wooden fence posts here. No matter what you need, we have a wooden fence post for your boundary fence installation.

Concrete fence posts

An alternative option, concrete fence posts provide a more industrial aesthetic and are designed for durability. They are resistant to wet weather conditions and are pest and fungal repellent.

Concrete fence posts and gravel boards complement each other perfectly.

Height rule for fence posts

It is well worth noting the height rule for fence posts when designing vertical gardens. Typically, a fence post should be buried to a depth of one-third above ground height for stability, especially in windy locations. For example, a 6ft fence post should be buried 2ft underground.

This one-third height rule (explained in this blog) helps create a strong foundation for fencing, especially for vertical gardens, which require a solid structure to grow. Using the right size fence posts to match your trellis fence panels is necessary, so if you are unsure, ask an expert or consult our customer service team for support.

Adding post caps and finials

While designing vertical gardens, you should consider functionality. Adding fence post caps or finials protects the fence post from weathering and adds a design element with aesthetic appeal. Shielding the fence post prevents decay and extends the lifespan of your fittings. Caps and finials are available in various styles, from ornate to contemporary. You can view the entire range here.

Step 9: Trellis cost

The cost of trellis is extremely variable and depends on many criteria. Primary factors to consider are the cost of the panel, the number of panels required and installation costs. With 14 categories of trellis panels and 5 different sizes (from 6'x1' up to 6'x6'), the cost patterns are diverse, here are aspects to consider calculating the full trellis cost for your garden:

• Cost per panel - costs from Buy Fencing Direct vary between £14 to £100 per trellis panel. The cost is largely determined by the type, size, quality and design of each panel
• Number of panels - to calculate the full trellis cost you need to multiply by the total number of trellis panels required
• Size of panels - the larger the panel generally the more it will cost (e.g. a 6'x6' will cost more than a 6'x1' for the same panel style)
• Material used - materials like wood, metal or composite affect both the cost and durability of the trellis
• Panel design - the more intricate the design, the more it will influence the overall cost
• Installation fees - if you use professional tradespeople you will need to include costs for these at £25 per hour. Most trellis panels can be installed in 1-2 hours
• Ground preparation - costs for levelling ground, removing existing fencing and other site preparation tasks will incur costs
• Fence posts - the cost will vary depending on the material used and how many you use (N.B. fence posts are not always needed (e.g. when using Trellis fence toppers))
• Fixings and accessories -additional costs will be incurred for fencing accessories such as screws, brackets, hinges and other fixings needed
• Treatment and finishes - timber treatment costs, painting or staining will apply (N.B. these will not be needed if you use pressure treated wood)
• Delivery - costs of delivering the trellis panels (this is usually free when ordered from Buy Fencing Direct to most UK postcodes)

Garden trellis installation

The expected minimum time to install a garden trellis panel is about 1 hour, while the maximum time can be up to 3 hours. This variation depends on factors such as:

• The trellis panel size
• Trellis type
• Complexity of the installation
• Condition of the installation site
• The experience of the installer

Garden trellis delivery

Our service provides a flexible pick-a-day delivery option for garden trellis, enabling you to select your desired delivery date in advance, as shown on the product page. For items without this feature, the estimated delivery times are provided.

After your purchase, the manufacturer will contact you to arrange the delivery. Please be aware that making changes post-payment may impact your delivery schedule, so it is advisable to finalise your order with care.

For more details, view our delivery information here.

Contact us

If you have any questions, we are here to help. Contact us to discuss any of our trellis types, including privacy trellis panels, garden trellis screening panels, large trellis panels as well as topics such as attaching trellis to a fence. Our UK-based team is available when you call 0333 003 0515 or message us via Live Chat. Additionally, you can send us an email through our contact page.