How to Make an Arbor of Bent Wood

An arbor is an archway in the garden that is frequently used to support vine-type flowers. Often several arches are attached together over a pathway or sidewalk so that visitors can enjoy the display while walking in the garden. Arbors are traditionally made from coppice. This is the sucker wood that grows out of the base of a felled tree. Coppice is often found along ditch areas and some trees produce the suckers while the tree is still alive. Coppice is flexible and strong.

Coppice
Garden shears
Wire
Wire cutters
Rebar
Mini sledge hammer

Instructions

- 1
  Cut coppice 8-feet long using garden shears. Trim off all secondary twigs or branches to create a single long branch.
- 2
  Place two pieces of coppice together with the narrow ends overlapping by two feet.
- 3
  Cut sections of stiff wire 18-inches long. Wrap the wire around the joined section of coppice 2-inches from the end of one piece. Wrap around two or three times and twist the ends tight. Turn the ends under. Repeat every 8 inches along the joined section. Repeat for each arbor arch.
- 4
  Drive rebar into the ground with a mini sledgehammer until 5-inches of rebar is above the ground. Typically you will place rebar on either side of a pathway or sidewalk. Repeat for the other side of the path and keep the rebar even. Space your rebars 12 inches apart along each side of the path. Installing three or more arches will make your structure stronger.
- 5
  Stand up your length of wired coppice. Wire the coppice securely to the bar on each side of the path. Repeat for each arch.
- 6
  Cut small branches to weave the sides of your arbor together. Trim off excess twigs. Weave horizontally over and under along the side of the path. Create a design or pattern you like. Secure every fifth twig with wire crisscrossing from the large coppice to the small crossing twigs.

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