Description
The A&G 3.5′ x 6′ Large Duty Fan Espalier Trellis is a solid redwood frame in the shape of a fan. It can stand alone, stake into the ground, or hook to walls and fences. It doesn’t rot even when touching the soil and provides an attractive, natural wood element for climbing plants.
Design and Materials
Redwood is naturally resistant to rot and insects, so it will last even when its posts are in contact with the ground. If left untreated, it will slowly lose its warm reddish hue, turning to a gentle silver, but this patina gives the home some real rustic charm. Its robust 3’ 5” width and 6’ height allow for plenty of room for plants to stretch and expand.
- Heavy posts and crosspieces form a sturdy frame. The heavy duty construction supports the weight of mature plants and is resistant to wind.
- No paint or seal is necessary; just install and enjoy. If the user prefers the original color, a light coat of sealant can also be used.
Fan Espalier Shape
Crossbars or wires radiate like a fan from a central post. This design directs each branch individually in its own space, which makes it easy to prune and harvest.
- Fan form enables each shoot to receive good sunlight and air. This uniform exposure is conducive to fruit ripening and limits the spread of disease.
- When covered in leaves or flowers, the fan shape becomes a living sculpture. It provides a sophisticated, formal and casual addition to clay or open garden walls.
Installation Methods
This trellis works in three main ways. Gardeners can choose the method that best fits their space and style.
1. Freestanding
- Posts must be embedded in concrete or solid earth at least 2½ feet deep.
- Great for patios, lawns, or as yard decorations.
- It can be installed wherever a stand-alone screen is required.
2. In-ground
- Redwood posts must be placed into the ground and not installed with the use of concrete.
- The durability of the wood’s resistance to decay allows for the longevity of this easy method.
- Lends itself well to flower beds or vegetable gardens.
3. Attached to Structures
- The trellis can be fastened to walls, fences, or pergolas.
- It is held in place by rust-resistant screws or brackets.
- Great for transforming blank walls into green living screens.
Benefits for Plants
The trellis maintains healthy, productive vines. It also strengthens plants and keeps them clean by lifting branches off the ground.
- Better Airflow and Light: Feathery branches are fanned out to allow air to flow through. Plants will dry more quickly after it rains, reducing the risk of rot. Each bud also gets good sun for the best blooms or fruit.
- Simplified Pruning and Harvesting: When the branches are managed and in order, it is easy for gardeners to see, reach and pick every shoot. The structure enables easier pruning and reduces the need to bend while picking fruit.
- Protection from Pests and Disease: Raising foliage reduces access to soil-borne pests and diseases. That helps gardens stay healthier with less chemical treatment.
Enhancing Outdoor Spaces
Beyond practicality, the trellis adds beauty to the garden. It creates filtered shade, adds visual appeal and privacy to outdoor living spaces.
- Filtered Shade: Once the vines cover a fan, they do create a dappled shade and that’s what mean by Partial Shade. This provides dappled shade below the perfect bower for seating, pathways, or underplanting with shade-loving flowers.
- Privacy Screen: A mature espalier blocks sightlines without a solid barrier. It feels more open than a fence, yet still offers seclusion.
- Textural Contrast: The warm wood tones against green foliage create texture in any garden. This natural contrast grabs the eye and brightens up patios, decks or corners of the yard.
Maintenance Tips
This redwood trellis will be easy to care for and low-maintenance. A little care every so often and it looks nice for years.
1. Inspect Hardware
- Inspect screws, bolts and brackets seasonally.
- Retighten or replace any that are loose or corroded.
2. Clean the Wood
- Clean with a mild soap, or mild dish detergent, and a damp sponge or cloth.
- Allow it to dry and then apply sealant or stain.
3. Optional Sealing
- A clear exterior seal maintains the wood’s original color.
- Best when applied every 2-3 years.
4. Prune the Plants
- Prune shoots every spring to preserve the fan shape.
- Prune out dead or overcrowded branches for good air movement.
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