Why Build an
Arbor, Pergola, or Trellis
Arbors, pergolas and trellises are easy to
build and install in your backyard and they look
great! They create a focal point, provide shade
and inspire your climbing vines to flourish. I
built an arbor at the entrance to our herb garden
for two reasons: I wanted to added structure to
the herb garden, and I wanted to provide more room
for my grape vines to grow. I would have liked to
use a trellising system but I didn’t have the
space for this.
You can also connect several
arbors together to create a shady path joining
different areas of your garden. This is sometimes
called a pergola. I have a friend that did this and
in the height of summer it is a pleasant retreat. If
you are thinking of a pergola, make sure the
structure is solid since the vines, leaves, and
fruit can get very heavy.
Most arbors are constructed
from wood, but arbors can also be made from
branches, twigs, iron and vinyl. Any wood properly
treated will last a long time, but I prefer arbors
made from cedar because it is decay resistant. Cedar
also ages nicely and turns a silvery gray color if
left untreated. Vinyl arbors are very durable and
can withstand extreme weather conditions and
destructive insects. If you’re building your own
arbor, make sure you use galvanized nails.
Non-galvanized nails will rust and leave unsightly
red stains on the wood.
Common features of arbors,
pergolas, and trellises
Traditional arbors usually have
latticework structure along the sides to support the
vines as they grow and a ladder structure along the
top. The classic or standard arbor usually has a
rounded top but flat top arbors are also available.
Arbors can also incorporate gates or benches, which
look quite attractive when trained with your
favorite climbers. There is quite a variety out
there, so you just need to decide what style you
like and what will look good in your garden.
Pergolas are larger and usually
more substantial than arbors and can be used to
cover a large patio or deck. Posts are located in
the corners and at regular intervals to support the
roof. The roof is usually parallel beams or lattice
structure sitting on perpendicular beams. Unlike an
arbor, pergola doesn’t have lattice sides and the
plant or vines are trained up the side of the posts
and then grow along the top to provide privacy and
shade.
Trellises are usually
latticework structures that are mounted on walls or
posts that support your climbers as they grow. Like
arbors and pergolas they provide more room for your
vines to grow. They can also be mounted between
posts to provide a screen. This is a nice accent to
provide privacy and shade. You can also add to the
trellis as you vine grows. On the side of our house
I started with one, 1’ by 6’ trellis and as the
clematis grew I added more trellises.
