How to Build a Wood Trellis From Willow Saplings

Lay a straight willow branch at least 6 feet long and approximately 3 inches in diameter on the worktable. Trim the ends of the branch and snip off the smaller branches and stubs with pruning shears to give it a pleasing appearance.

Rub the branch vigorously while wearing coarse work gloves to remove any loose material while smoothing and buffing the branch. Set the branch aside.

Place four willow branches approximately 4 feet long and 1½ inches in diameter on the worktable. Prune off the smaller branches and stubs and smooth the surface by rubbing each of them vigorously while wearing coarse gloves.

Return the long branch on the worktable and position two of the shorter branches, one on each side, approximately 2 feet down from the top and laying against the longer branch. The two shorter branches extend straight up and above the top of the longer branch.

Secure the two shorter branches to the longer one with a pair of pliers. Wrap the branches several times and use the pliers to tighten the wire as much as possible.

Take one of the smaller branches in hand and begin to gently curve it to form one side of a heart-shape which extends farther down the longer branch. Repeat the process with the other short branch so that they touch the longer branch and the two short branches form a heart-shape. Secure the two short branches with wire to the longer branch.

Attach the two remaining short branches to the longer one approximately 6 inches below where the first two short branches were originally attached.

Bend the two branches around to form a smaller heart inside the larger one, cut the branches to fit and attach them to the longer branch with heavy-duty wire.

Place the end of the long upright branch into a large planter pot of soil or bury it in the ground to provide a rustic trellis for your favorite climbing plant.