Trellises with 3 Crossbeams
3-beam espaliers in the classical shape consist of three crossbeams and vertical laths extending at the top and bottom. They are good for larger espaliers; for example, if a medium-size gable needs to be covered. For laths made of hardwood or larch, 3-beam espaliers are virtually a *must,* because these timbers (especially undried) tend to warp and the 3-point fastening will provide added reinforcement. Such trellises can be mounted individually, in groups, or as continuous bands. Futher details are available-- on cross sections, spacing between laths, fastenings, (anchors and mounts), and so on. All that you need for mounting your trellis -- tools and trellis fittings -- are available in our online shop.
Single Trellises
The best visual effect for a trellis with three beams is achieved by not covering the entire facade but letting the wall around the trellis be visible -- that is, providing space in all directions around the espalier. This means installing a somewhat smaller trellis; this provides a more graceful appearance on the facade and, in any case, the respective plant will spread well beyond the boundaries of the espalier frame. Setting the middle beam a little higher creates more harmonious proportions (the “golden ratio”). The number of wall fastenings will depend on the width of your espalier. Please note the maximum recommended distance for each of our different trellis anchors/mounts. The mounts are not set 20-40 cm from the outer edges . At least two vertical laths are then attached to them.
Juxtaposing Several Trellises
Mounting several trellises on the facade is the best solution if doors and windows prevent a single continuous trellis band from being mounted. For an optimal visual effect, the horizontal beams of the espalier should be placed so that they are in alignment with the window lines.
3-Beam Espaliers Around the Window
Windows in outbuildings that only serve for ventilation were often slatted (covered by laths) in order to gain more trellis area and/or more grape yeild. Cutting out or bypassing a window opening offers a more integrated effect but is also more complex in terms of design, more costly, and may require deviations in the arrangement of the crossbeams. It is simpler to arrange two trellises to the right and left of the window as described above.
