Q.I Have A Mature Wisteria Originally Trained Across Trellis, Trellis Disintegrating So What Is Best Way To Support The Weight Going
forward please? I have attached a few photos for reference. Everything I read regarding supporting climbers assumes you’re starting from scratch be we have a mature plant which is hugely heavy once the leaves are out and now need to think about providing long term support throughout the plant as the original trellis it has grown through is old and no longer up to the task – it is coming away in places which we’ve tried to ‘shore up’ when the whole thing came away from the wall last year but this needs a sturdier long term solution. What is the best method going forward? fabric ‘straps’ bolted at each end at strategic places throughout perhaps? I need it to be strong but also not damage the branches when it ‘rubs’as it moves around in the wind. Any help hugely appreciated!
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Wisteria should be pruned twice a year to keep it in check. I would recommend some restorative pruning to get it back in shape, along with the new support. Your suggestion to add bolts will work if they won't damage the brick. Then just tie the vines to it. Or new lattice but perhaps vinyl instead of wood to last longer. I can't tell how the current lattice is attached but hopefully you can attach the new lattice the same way.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/wisteria/pruning-wisteria.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/ovgen/covering-brick-walls-with-vines.htm
