How to Attach Trellis to a Fence: A Step-by-Step Guide
Adding trellis to an existing fence is one of the simplest and most effective ways to enhance your garden. Trellis panels can be used to increase fence height, encourage climbing plants, or add extra privacy without completely blocking light. For many homeowners across Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire, trellis is also an affordable way to refresh tired-looking fencing without replacing it altogether.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll cover:
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Why trellis is such a versatile garden feature
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The tools and materials you’ll need
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Step-by-step instructions for attaching trellis to a fence
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Planning and legal considerations
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The best plants to grow up trellis
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Maintenance tips to make trellis last longer
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FAQs answered by our Clarke Fencing team
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to fit trellis securely — whether you’re topping off lap fence panels, enhancing closeboard fence panels, or creating a decorative feature in your garden.
Why Add Trellis to a Fence?
Trellis panels are one of the most versatile garden products available. Here’s why they’re so popular with our local customers:
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Extra Height: Easily extend the height of an existing fence without installing new posts or panels.
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Climbing Plant Support: Trellis is ideal for clematis, ivy, honeysuckle, or roses — creating living green walls. According to BBC Gardeners’ World, clematis thrives when given a supportive structure like trellis to climb.
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Light & Airflow: Unlike solid fence panels, trellis allows light through, keeping gardens bright and airy.
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Privacy Screening: A trellis topper can increase seclusion while still looking decorative.
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Wildlife-Friendly: Trellis covered in plants provides shelter and food for birds, bees, and pollinators.
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Garden Zoning: Use trellis as a low divider to separate seating areas, patios, or vegetable patches.
If your goal is increased privacy, you may prefer privacy diamond trellis which has tighter gaps between slats. For a budget-friendly option, traditional square trellis is a timeless choice.
Choosing the Right Trellis Style
At Clarke Fencing, we stock a wide variety of trellis options to suit different budgets and garden designs:
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Traditional Garden Trellis – classic square design, cost-effective and practical.
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Planed Diamond Trellis – smooth finish, ideal for decorative use.
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Heavy Diamond Trellis – stronger framework for added durability.
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Privacy Diamond Trellis – tight lattice for enhanced screening.
If you’re unsure which suits your project, pop into our Stowmarket branch where you can see all trellis types in person.
Tools & Materials You’ll Need
Before you start, make sure you’ve got everything to hand:
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Trellis panel(s) of your choice
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Drill & exterior-grade screws
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Spirit level
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Measuring tape
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Postcrete if setting new posts
Step-by-Step: How to Attach Trellis to a Fence
1. Measure & Mark
Decide where your trellis will sit – most often, it’s installed on top of an existing fence panel. Measure the width of your fence and mark fixing points to ensure your trellis sits evenly.
2. Choose Your Fixings
There are two common options:
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35mm Panel Clips – secure trellis between wooden posts for a neat, flush look.
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Torx Timber Screws – Self drilling, self tapping wood screws to durable lasting timber fixings.
3. Drill & Fix
Hold the trellis in place, check it’s level, then drill into the marked fixing points. Secure with screws through the clips or brackets into the post.
4. Finish & Check
Once installed, check that the trellis is secure and evenly aligned. If using it as a topper, ensure it doesn’t exceed local planning restrictions (fences with trellis are usually limited to 2m in total height in residential areas). The RHS also advises checking for local planning permissions if you’re unsure.
Planning & Legal Considerations
Many homeowners don’t realise that UK planning law sets limits on fence and trellis height. In most cases:
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The combined height of a fence and trellis must not exceed 2 metres without planning permission.
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If your fence borders a road or footpath, the limit may be just 1 metre.
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Conservation areas or listed properties may have additional restrictions.
For more details, see official Government planning guidance. Always check with your local council if you’re unsure.
Best Plants to Grow on Trellis
Trellis is at its best when covered in greenery. Some excellent choices include:
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Clematis – vibrant flowers, perfect for full sun (BBC Gardeners’ World has a clematis care guide.
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Climbing Roses – add colour and fragrance to trellis panels.
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Jasmine – ideal for fragrance, especially near seating areas.
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Honeysuckle – wildlife-friendly and great for attracting bees.
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Evergreen Ivy – provides year-round coverage and privacy.
Maintenance & Aftercare
To keep your trellis looking its best for years:
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Annual checks: Tighten screws and brackets if movement occurs.
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Weatherproofing: All our trellis is pressure treated, but additional treatment every few years can extend lifespan.
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Wind exposure: In open areas across Suffolk and Norfolk, consider using extra brackets to prevent trellis damage in storms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need gravel boards when using trellis?
Not essential, but adding gravel boards helps protect your fence from ground moisture, extending lifespan.
Can I attach trellis to a wall instead of a fence?
Yes – use masonry screws and wall plugs along with trellis brackets to fix directly to brickwork.
What height can my fence and trellis be?
Most UK gardens are restricted to 2m total height at the boundary. Trellis is a great way to stay within limits while adding privacy.
Which trellis style is best for privacy?
If you’re aiming for more screening, opt for privacy diamond trellis with tighter gaps between slats.
How do I attach trellis securely without damaging the fence?
Always fix into posts rather than panels. This ensures stability and avoids weakening your fence structure.
Do I need planning permission for trellis in Suffolk?
Most homes won’t — but always check with Mid Suffolk District Council if in doubt, especially if near a road or in a conservation area.
Enhance Your Garden with Trellis Panels
At Clarke Fencing, we supply and deliver trellis panels across Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire. Whether you’re looking for a classic traditional garden trellis or a more decorative diamond style, our trellis range makes it easy to add style and height to your fence line.
Explore the full range online or visit our Stowmarket branch to see our trellis panels in person.
