How to Put up a Trellis

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Set the trellis 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) away from your house.

   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.
2. 2

   Step 2: Measure how far apart the centers of a trellis' uprights are from each other.

   Mark their places on the ground. , Make sure the holes go deep enough to clear the ground's frost line. , The gravel will act as drainage.
   
   Tamp the gravel in the holes. , The foot of its uprights should be next to your dug postholes. , Have at least 1 other person help you with this. , Check that it is even and add more gravel to make the trellis level as necessary. ,, 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. , Use a mixture of soil and gravel.
   
   Tamp down the dirt and gravel for every 6 inches (15 cm) that you fill. ,,
3. 3

   Step 3: Dig holes for a wood trellis' posts with a posthole digger.

4. 4

   Step 4: Fill the post holes with 6 inches (15 cm) of 3/4-inch (1.9 cm) gravel.

5. 5

   Step 5: Lay your trellis face down on the ground.

6. 6

   Step 6: Lift and tilt the trellis into place.

7. 7

   Step 7: Place a level on the trellis' bottom edge.

8. 8

   Step 8: Check that the trellis is plumb.

9. 9

   Step 9: Stabilize the trellis in its position.

10. 10

    Step 10: Fill remaining space in the post holes.

11. 11

    Step 11: Top off the last few inches (cm) of space in the holes by shoveling dug up soil into them.

12. 12

    Step 12: Remove the 2 by 4 inch (5 by 10 cm) boards holding the trellis in place.

Detailed Guide

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