How to Build an Arbor With Natural Resources
Natural arbors enhance the beauty of their natural surroundings with the simplicity of their materials and construction. You can make your own arbors from natural materials with tree branches and jute gardening twine. Saplings approximately 1 inch in diameter, from supple trees such as willow, will allow you to create gracefully arched arbors. Natural arbors are ideal for garden paths and entrances as well as for patios and outdoor reading or entertaining spaces. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 4 Tree branches, 1-inch diameter, 96 inches long
- Branch cutters
- Tape measure
- Jute gardening twine, one roll
- Utility shears
- 2 Branches, 1-inch diameter, 36 inches long
Instructions
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1
Cut the bottom end of each 96-inch branch at a 45-degree angle using brush cutters to create a point so that the branches can be pushed into the ground with ease.
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2
Measure a 48-by-48-inch space to place the arbor. Push the bottom end of each 96-inch branch into the four corners of the measured space. Insert the branches 12-inches into the soil by pushing them with your hands.
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3
Bend the top ends of the four 96-inch branches into the center of the space. Overlap the branches on opposing corners by 3 inches. The two overlapping pairs of branches will intersect to form an X-shaped dome. Wrap jute gardening twine around each pair of overlapping branches several times, and tie the twine off in a double knot. Trim the excess twine.
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4
Determine the location of the arbor's entrance through the arbor is going to be located. Center one 36-inch branch horizontally across each side of the arbor. Place the branches at a position across the two sets of 96-inch branches so that the ends extend past the 96-inch branches by approximately 1 inch. These are the cross supports.
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5
Wrap twine several times around the cross supports where they intersect with the 96-inch branches and tie off in an double knot. Trim off the excess twine.
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Tips & Warnings
Use grape vines to weave decorative details on the sides of the arbor.
Wear eye protection when trimming the ends on the branches to avoid possible injury.
