Types of Arbors

If you are a beginner gardener, planning a wedding or other type of get-together, you may be hearing things about arbors. Arbors and arbor-like structures have been used in America for decades, and there are many different things to know about them, including just what they're used for, the types and decorations used on them, and the average installation process.

Function

An arbor is a sturdy structure used predominantly in gardens and social areas outdoors, though they can also be found indoors. An arbor is not the same thing as a lattice trellis, which is a grid-patterned material that is usually flat and placed against a wall. Arbors have more dimension to them and are meant to serve the purpose of shade, a resting place or a structure to serve to mark a pathway. An arbor generally has two to four "legs" and some type of material running in an arch or straight across the top.

Uses

The style and structure of an arbor is one that welcomes company. That is, many occasions warrant the use of an arbor, both indoors and out. For example, weddings very often incorporate a beautifully decorated arbor in the ceremony. One may already be present in the church or garden the wedding will be at, or one can be transported to the site, such as with beach and forest settings. Funerals sometimes also use arbors in the setup for the services, allowing the religious figure to stand under it while giving the final words for the deceased. Garden, tea, birthday and anniversary parties also sometimes use arbors in their decorations. Indoors they can be set up as a backdrop for picture-taking.

Types

Arbors can be vinyl, wood, metal and even simple hard plastic. Wood and metal arbors are usually treated for rot and rust prevention, and both kinds can be painted or stained for aesthetic purposes. For many, however, the material of the arbor is not extremely important because when they are fully decorated or if they have plants climbing them or covering them, only the legs and bottom of the arbor may be visible.

No matter the material, arbors are generally at least 6 feet tall and the top, but usually more, and can come in a variety of shapes, including a flat top, arched tops, and other geometric-shaped tops.

Decoration

Arbors, like trellises, are used also to allow plants, flowers and sometimes fruits (such as grapes) to grow and cling upward onto them. Flowers and other plants such as vines and ivy are often allowed to completely cover the structure of the arbor, all the way to the top of the arch. Grapes can often be seen growing up the legs and hanging down in the middle of the arbor, allowing for harvesting. Inside, decoration is also possible. Ribbons and other beautiful embellishments can sometimes be wound around the legs of the arbor, and hanging baskets and planters can be hung off the structure from the inside.

Installation

The installation of arbors is usually relatively simple. Most arbors bought in stores as a kit can be put together using simple tools such as a hammer, drill and screwdriver. The most difficult part of installing an arbor can be planting the legs or attaching them securely to or in the ground.

References

• Arbor info
• Different arbor types