How to Build a Grape Trellis Using Wire Mesh

Decide where you want your grape trellis to be. Ideally it should receive full sun for several hours each day to maximize fruit production. If you are building a trellis for an existing vine, you already have your location. Prune your vine back to the first node on each trunk; pruning should take place in late summer to prevent damage to the vine.

Cut two of the lengths of mesh wire about 6 feet long each. Hammer 1 foot of each into the ground, with your existing vine or the intended location of your vine directly between them. The posts should be approximately 60 inches apart. Once complete, you should have two posts standing 5 feet tall, with 5 feet between them. If you wish to have a shorter trellis, you can hammer both posts deeper in to the ground.

Cut a length of wire mesh to span the distance between the two posts you have hammered into the ground. Screw this piece in to each post to stabilize them and prevent tilting when the weight of the vine is hanging from them. Use stainless steel or zinc screws to prevent rusting and discoloration of the posts. Make sure they do not penetrate through the wood and poke out the other side, as this can be dangerous you are pruning or maintaining the vine.

Take your roll of 12 gauge steel wire mesh and unroll it across the frame you have now constructed. Start by stapling one side of the mesh to one of the posts, and staple the top portion of the mesh to the top piece of wood spanning the distance between the two posts. Unroll the mesh, stapling as you go, until you reach the other post. Leave the roll attached, and go back over the staples with a hammer, gently tapping them so they are flush with the mesh.

Snip the wire mesh, leaving 1/2 inch overhanging past the second post. Snip from the bottom up and be careful as the ends of the wire will be sharp. Once the roll has been freed from the trellis, use the hammer to tap the ends of the mesh around the second post to keep from snagging clothing or skin. Do another once over on the staples, tapping in those that are not flush with the mesh and adding staples anywhere you find the mesh floating above the wooden frame.

Train your vine so that one set of branches from the main trunk goes horizontally across the mesh at 30 inches and another 2 to 3 feet from the top piece of wood. Until the vine sprouts and secures itself to the mesh via its tendrils, use gardening tape or wire to hold the vine to the trellis.