How to Build a Wood Trellis From Willow Saplings

A trellis from readily available willow branches gives the natural look.

Make a rustic trellis from willow branches that form a pleasing design while providing climbing plants with sturdy support. Placing several trellises's of different designs into the garden or about the yard creates a beautiful and natural landscape. It does not require a great deal of talent to make a willow branch trellis but when finished it looks and performs impressively. Once a trellis is made, it is not difficult to make other attractive designs.

Things You'll Need

• 1 long willow branch
• 4 short willow branches
• Pruning shears
• Work gloves
• Heavy gauge wire
• Pliers
• Planter pot

Instructions

1. Lay a straight willow branch at least 6 feet long and approximately 3 inches in diameter on the worktable. Trim the ends of the branch and snip off the smaller branches and stubs with pruning shears to give it a pleasing appearance.

2. Rub the branch vigorously while wearing coarse work gloves to remove any loose material while smoothing and buffing the branch. Set the branch aside.

3. Place four willow branches approximately 4 feet long and 1½ inches in diameter on the worktable. Prune off the smaller branches and stubs and smooth the surface by rubbing each of them vigorously while wearing coarse gloves.

4. Return the long branch on the worktable and position two of the shorter branches, one on each side, approximately 2 feet down from the top and laying against the longer branch. The two shorter branches extend straight up and above the top of the longer branch.

5. Secure the two shorter branches to the longer one with a pair of pliers. Wrap the branches several times and use the pliers to tighten the wire as much as possible.

6. Take one of the smaller branches in hand and begin to gently curve it to form one side of a heart-shape which extends farther down the longer branch. Repeat the process with the other short branch so that they touch the longer branch and the two short branches form a heart-shape. Secure the two short branches with wire to the longer branch.

7. Attach the two remaining short branches to the longer one approximately 6 inches below where the first two short branches were originally attached.

8. Bend the two branches around to form a smaller heart inside the larger one, cut the branches to fit and attach them to the longer branch with heavy-duty wire.

9. Place the end of the long upright branch into a large planter pot of soil or bury it in the ground to provide a rustic trellis for your favorite climbing plant.

Tips & Warnings

• Use small nails in addition to the wire for greater holding strength.

• Make other designs with other lengths and thicknesses of willow branches.

• Inspect the trellis several weeks after installing it to be certain the weather has not loosened the branches where the wires are attached. Check again from season to season.

• Make certain the branches chosen are sturdy and strong.

References

• knowitall.org: How to Make a Bentwood Trellis