Trellising

Trellising is a horticultural practice that uses a lattice, framework, or other support structure to train climbing or sprawling plants to grow along a predetermined vertical plane or shape. The technique aims to improve light exposure, air circulation, and ease of harvest, while supporting heavy fruit or long canes and keeping growth off the ground.

Typical components include sturdy posts or stakes anchored in the ground, horizontal wires or cords, and fasteners or netting. Depending on the crop and site, trellises may be freestanding, attached to a wall, or incorporated into an arbor or fence.

Common systems range from simple stake-and-wire supports for beans or cucumbers to rigid, cable-supported frames for grapes, or espalier along walls. Materials vary from treated timber and galvanized steel to stainless steel wire, nylon netting, or plastic lattice. Crops frequently guided by trellises include grapes, kiwifruit, tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, peas, beans, berries, roses, and fruit trees trained in espalier forms.

Advantages include increased yield per area, improved fruit quality through better light penetration, easier pest and disease management, and reduced fruit contact with soil. Disadvantages include installation cost, labor for training and pruning, structural load during wind or snow, and potential damage to stems if trained improperly.

Implementation typically involves planning the growing area, selecting an appropriate system, installing posts or wall attachments, mounting wires or netting at suitable spacing, and training shoots as growth progresses. Regular inspection and adjustment are needed to maintain tension and prevent sagging.

Espalier is a related technique for training trees or shrubs flat against a surface; trellising also supports ornamental climbers and is used in commercial orchards and home gardens.