A trellis can transform a plain or unsightly concrete wall into a beautiful, plant-covered feature in your yard. This simple DIY project not only enhances the look of your outdoor space but also provides support for climbing plants. In the video above, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook demonstrates how to attach a trellis to a concrete wall for a stunning vertical garden.
Choosing the Right Trellis for a Concrete Wall
There are a few things to decide on before jumping into action. First, you need to choose the type and size of trellis that will look best given the wall space you have. Consider the following factors when making your choice:
- Material: Opt for weather-resistant materials such as pressure-treated pine, cedar, or redwood.
- Size: Ensure the trellis is large enough to cover the desired area of the wall and support the plants you have in mind.
- Style: Choose a design that complements your home’s architecture and landscaping.
The trellis panels used in the video measure 6 feet long by 4 feet wide, providing ample coverage for a large concrete wall. While they resemble redwood or cedar, they’re actually made of pressure-treated pine, which offers durability at a lower cost.
Plan the placement of your trellis carefully. In the video, Cook recommends positioning the trellis about 8 inches off the ground to prevent wood rot and allow for additional height when plants grow and cascade over the wall.
Tools and Materials for a Concrete Wall Trellis
You’ll need the following items to tackle this project:
- Hammer drill with a 3/16-inch masonry bit
- Cordless drill or impact driver
- 4-foot level
- Masonry screws (2 inches long)
- Steel washers
- Safety glasses and hearing protection
Attaching the Trellis to the Wall
Follow these steps to securely fasten your trellis:
- Drill pilot holes: Create three 3/16-inch-diameter pilot holes through each end of every trellis panel.
- Position the trellis: Hold the panel against the wall, ensuring it’s level and at the desired height.
- Mark and drill: Use the hammer drill with a 3/16-inch masonry bit to bore holes through the pilot holes in the trellis and into the concrete wall.
- Secure the trellis: Fasten the wood trellis to the wall using 2-inch-long masonry screws and steel washers. Drive the screws into the concrete with a cordless drill or impact driver.
- Repeat the process: Continue installing the remaining trellis panels, ensuring they align properly for a cohesive look.
Selecting and Planting Climbing Vines By a Concrete Wall
The look isn’t complete without the right plants. In the video, Cook showcases two excellent options for trellises: clematis and honeysuckle. These plants provide both beauty and fragrance. They’ll expand and grow lush to cover the trellis and create a nice focal point.
Planting and Care Tips Near a Concrete Wall
To ensure your climbing vines thrive on your new trellis, follow these planting and maintenance guidelines:
- Dig appropriate holes: Create planting holes two to three times larger than the pot diameter.
- Prepare the roots: Gently loosen the roots of your plants to encourage outward growth.
- Position the plants: Tilt the vines slightly back toward the trellis to promote upward growth.
- Amend the soil: Mix super-phosphate and starter fertilizer into the topsoil before backfilling.
- Water regularly: Provide thorough watering once a week throughout the summer months.
- Apply mulch: Spread a 2-inch layer of pine bark mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Training Vines on the Trellis
To help your plants grow up the trellis effectively:
- Weave long vine stems between the trellis slats.
- Use jute string to tie the vines in place, ensuring they grow in the desired direction.
- Be gentle when handling the vines, as they are resilient but can still be damaged.
The jute string will naturally break down over time, preventing any girdling of the vines as they grow.
Seasonal Care for Your Trellis Plants
Maintaining your trellis plants requires attention throughout different seasons. Proper seasonal care ensures the longevity and beauty of both the trellis and the climbing vines.
Spring
Spring is the time to rejuvenate your trellis plants after the winter dormancy. Start by removing any dead or damaged branches from the vines. This will promote healthy growth. Apply a balanced fertilizer to boost the plants’ energy for new growth.
Summer
During the summer, focus on regular watering to keep your plants hydrated. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and keeps weeds at bay. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases that are more prevalent in the hotter months.
Fall
In the fall, prepare your plants for the coming cold. Reduce watering as the plants slow their growth. This is an ideal time to prune heavily, removing excess growth to prevent damage from winter winds and snow.
Winter
Winter care includes protecting both the trellis and the plants from severe cold. If necessary, cover young or tender plants with burlap or frost blankets. Inspect the trellis structure to ensure it remains secure and undamaged by winter weather.
Attaching a Trellis Without Drilling
If drilling into your concrete wall isn’t an option, we suggest these alternative methods:
- Construction adhesive: Use heavy-duty construction adhesive designed for outdoor use to attach the trellis securely to the wall.
- Freestanding trellises: Install freestanding trellises close to the wall, anchored in the ground for stability.
- Tension rods: Employ tension rods between the ground and an overhead structure to support the trellis without direct attachment to the wall.
