Trellises are often used overhead to support shade vines.
Trellises are rigid structures used to support the weight of climbing plants or vines such as climbing roses and grapevines. Trellises are constructed of a wide range of materials. Many homeowners opt for metal trellises, either steel, aluminum or wrought iron, for their durability, not realizing they come with their own issues and limitations. Does this Spark an idea?
Rust
Trellises that are constructed of wrought iron or steel are subject to rust. This makes them less suitable than their vinyl or plastic counterparts in applications that are continually kept damp, as in vegetable gardens with spray irrigation. Both steel and wrought iron can be kept rust-free if consistently repainted at the start of each season, but this task is made more difficult with perennial vines and plants, as repainting the trellis will have to take place around the plant.
Overhead Weight
Metal trellises, especially those made of steel or wrought iron, are significantly heavier than plastic, vinyl or even wooden alternatives. This can make them less suitable for overhead applications such as arbors and pergolas or grapevine gazebos. Significantly larger vertical supports are needed to support not only the weight of the growing vine but also the heavier trellises.
Top-heavy
Wooden and plastic trellises can be supported in planters or the ground using small stakes. Wrought iron and steel trellises require considerably more anchoring to prevent them from toppling over, causing damage or even killing the plants they are supporting. Heavy wrought iron trellises often need to be leaned against a structure or else cemented in the ground. Aluminum trellises, being significantly lighter, are not subject to this issue, and can be readily staked in gardens and even small pots.
Cost
Metal trellises are typically more expensive than their wooden and plastic equivalents. Vinyl trellises have come down in cost as vinyl fencing has become a more popular choice. With rust-proof options in vinyl readily available, metal is less than ideal for applications where the trellis is not the focal point or is obscured by ivy or other thick vines.
Tags: wrought iron, iron steel, less suitable, steel wrought, steel wrought iron
