How to Build a Welded Wire Fence for Vineyards

Begin construction in midspring, after the ground has thawed and softened, and dig in the morning. Moist, slightly warm dirt provides the softest and easiest construction base. Put the trellis up concurrently with planting if you can in pretilled soil.

Build the trellis 6 inches behind the planting row, and give each row a trellis of its own. Dig 3-foot-deep holes at the ends of the trellis row for the brace posts and 2-foot-deep holes at every 8 to 10 feet in the row. Dig the holes 5 to 6 inches wide to accommodate the posts.

Mix quick-set concrete in a bucket, stirring with a stick. Using quick-set concrete will provide the easiest and quickest setting. Put 8- to 12-foot posts in the end holes, and have a friend hold them straight while you fill the holes with concrete. Measure the poles for plumb with a level to ensure the straightest setting, and hold the posts in place for 20 minutes for the concrete to set. Give the concrete 12 to 24 hours to set completely before doing any more construction on these posts. Put 8- to 12-foot posts in the additional holes along the trellis row and secure these with dirt.

Cut several lengths of welded wire fencing for the trellis. Cut one length for the entire row, or cut lengths long enough to run from post to post. Use fencing tall enough to match the poles, or elevate the fencing 1 foot off the ground to use the middle and top sections of the poles. Wrap the end of the first length of fence once around the first post for security, and use twine or wire to tie the fence at every 3 to 4 inches up the post. Run the fencing to the next post, wrap it around once and move on or tie it off, depending on the length of the section. Continue until you reach the end of the row.