Trellis Fence Panels - Beautiful Options for Garden Screens

Decorative and practical? Trellis fencing has a lot to offer in the garden. Find out more about the many options it provides.
By and large, customers are very practical when it comes to fencing: strength, durability and privacy are the order of the day, especially for boundary fences. Sometimes, though, we get a job to install internal garden screens for different areas. This is where trellis fence panels really come into their own.

Why use trellis panels?

Trellis panels are an ideal choice for many reasons, offering both practical and decorative solutions in many different areas of your garden. They lend visual interest, while also creating distinctive outdoor spaces, whether it’s for relaxing, dining or even working in your vegetable plot.

Create shade and privacy for outdoor seating or dining areas

Trellis is the perfect solution when you’re looking to create beautiful private spaces in your garden. Fresh-painted or natural wood screens provide a wonderful decorative backdrop for seating areas, whether on lawn or decked areas. 

You should consider using larger trellis screens, for example 2m x 2m panels, if privacy is your main goal. Once plants have been established, they’ll offer the wind a large contact surface, though; make sure your panels are firmly fixed into the ground using wooden or concrete fence posts (see detail below).

They can also provide structure and support for climbing plants, flowering shrubs and vines, creating shade and enhancing the atmosphere of a peaceful retreat.

Screening for different garden “zones”

When you need to define different zones in the garden, trellis panels can be effective screening partitions. They lead the eye from one area to another, offering tantalising glimpses of what lays behind…

Screening for less attractive areas

Trellis also provides an attractive option to hide or disguise unsightly areas in your outside spaces: 

• A neighbour’s ugly boundary fence, for example, or a garage wall, can be transformed by erecting your own trellis panels in front of it.
• Dark, narrow or unused spaces can be given an instant makeover with some thoughtful use of trellis and planting. You can exploit every inch of your garden and create new spaces to enjoy. 
• Utility areas can be screened off to hide compost heaps, wheelbarrows or potting benches.

Options for trellis style, shape and size

High quality trellis fence panels are traditionally made from wood, but there is a wide range of lattice styles, shapes and sizes to suit your dream garden design.

• Concave or convex arches and curved panels
• Square lattice or diamond trellis panels (but we’ve also seen an interesting “tartan” trellis panel, and some options that offer a more contemporary trellis pattern
• Tighter or more open lattice patterns, depending on your privacy or design needs
• Available in a range of different widths and heights to suit your needs
• Matching gates are often available, too. 
• External wood paint will give your trellis visual interest, or stain it a natural colour to enhance the beauty of the timber

Lattice panels with a tighter pattern (e.g. 20mm or 38mm) create an intimate feeling to small spaces, which can be further enhanced with climbing plants or vines for extra privacy.

By contrast, a more open trellis pattern (e.g. 70mm or 100mm) will allow more light through, but still allow you to create an effective garden screen.

Wooden trellis with a more abstract design offers a contemporary twist to the classic trellis fence panel. Patterns with an Japanese feel will provide a calming, Zen-like space that will complement modern decking and outdoor furniture beautifully. 

How are trellis panels fitted?

The open pattern of wooden trellis fences is more tolerant of wind pressure, but it’s best to give them extra stability and durability. You can do this by fitting them to fence posts (concrete or wooden) fixed into the ground. Plan the permanent location of your panels carefully, and then Trentwood Fencing will install them to your exact requirements.

If the trellis panels are being mounted to a wall or existing fence, fix them to timber battens, spaced at approximately 600mm intervals against the wall or fence. 

Do trellis fence toppers count as part of the maximum fence height?

Trellis fence toppers are very popular, but we’re often asked if the trellis part counts as part of the maximum height allowed for a garden fence. Without seeking planning permission, this is 6ft 6in (2 metres) in the rear garden, or 3ft 2in, (1 metre) at the front of your house or adjoining the highway. 

The short answer is: Yes, trellis does count as part of the overall height of the fence, even if it’s added separately, as a topper, later on.

To find out more about installing trellis fencing in your garden, get in touch with Trentwood Fencing for a quote. Call us on 01865 863428 or 07900 938061, or use the enquiry form below.

Released On 2nd Dec 2021