Trellis & Decorative Fencing
Adding height, screening or climbing-plant support to an existing fence
Trellis is most commonly fitted on top of an existing fence to add extra height and privacy, or used as a support structure for climbing plants, and it's a smaller-scale addition that can transform how a fence line looks and functions without replacing the fence itself.
Trellis panels — an open lattice of thin timber battens — serve two related but distinct purposes on a garden boundary: adding a further section of height above an existing fence panel to increase privacy without rebuilding the whole boundary from scratch, or providing a structure for climbing plants such as clematis, roses or jasmine to grow up and through, softening a boundary with planting rather than relying purely on solid timber for screening. When trellis is fitted to extend fence height, it needs securing properly to the fence posts below rather than just fixed onto the top of the existing panels, since trellis catches significant wind loading once it's up, and a poorly fixed extension can pull away from an otherwise sound fence beneath it. Trellis intended to support climbing plants needs positioning with the mature spread and weight of that planting in mind — a heavier climber like a well-established rose or wisteria puts real ongoing weight on a trellis structure over years, so lighter decorative trellis not built for that load will eventually sag or fail under the plant it's supporting. Decorative fencing more broadly covers other feature elements — arched sections, picket-style boundaries in more ornamental garden areas, or a trellis-topped fence used as a deliberate design feature rather than purely for height or planting support.
When Trellis & Decorative Fencing Is the Right Choice
- Adding extra height and privacy above an existing fence without full replacement
- Providing a structure for climbing plants to grow through
- Softening a solid fence boundary with planting rather than replacing it entirely
- Ornamental or feature fencing in more design-led areas of the garden
- Properties wanting a decorative rather than purely functional boundary treatment
What's Involved
Assessment
We check the condition of any existing fence trellis is being added to, and discuss intended use.
Fixing to Posts
Trellis extensions are secured to the fence posts themselves, not just the top of existing panels.
Installation
Trellis is fitted at the chosen height and position, level and securely fixed along the run.
Planting Support (where relevant)
Where climbing plants are involved, planting positions and support wires or ties are set up alongside the trellis.
Local to South Mimms, North London & Hertfordshire
Winchmore Hill, between Southgate and Palmers Green in the London Borough of Enfield, and Bengeo, the residential suburb north of Hertford town centre, both have established residential streets where trellis toppers and climbing-plant support are a common, relatively low-cost way to add privacy or soften a boundary without a full fence rebuild.
Trellis & Decorative Fencing — FAQ
Q.Can trellis be added to any existing fence?
It depends on the condition and strength of the existing fence and posts — trellis adds extra height and wind loading, so the fence beneath needs to be sound enough to take that additional load, which we check before recommending it.
Q.Will a heavy climbing plant damage lighter decorative trellis?
Over time, yes — a well-established climber like a mature rose or wisteria puts significant ongoing weight on the structure, so trellis intended to support heavier climbing plants needs to be built for that load rather than a lightweight decorative panel.
Q.Does trellis need fixing to the fence posts specifically?
Yes — fixing an extension purely to the top of existing fence panels, rather than down into the posts, risks it working loose or pulling away under wind loading, since trellis catches a surprising amount of wind once installed.
Common on These Property Types
Free Trellis & Decorative Fencing Quote
No obligation. Quick response. All work fully insured.