How do I build a rustic trellis that will hide this ugly shed?

Lho24191140
by Lho24191140
My lot backs onto the line where this unsightly, cinder-block shed sits. I need an idea to hide it. I have saved a lot of fallen walnut & maple tree branches that I'd love to try to piece a rustic trellis together with, but lack the know-how. We enjoy not having a fence, because the view otherwise is very serene. Any ideas?
Thanks
Laura

Cinder-block shed obstructing our backyard serenity.
  18 answers
  • Lisa Lisa on Jun 22, 2017

    What a fantastic idea to make a natural trellis out of branches, I love it! I think if you first make a sturdy frame out of sturdy logs or wood then you can attach the branches in any pattern to create the trellis wall. I’d also plant a vine on one side and train it around the branches. You could even do a criss cross pattern if you wanted to get fancy. ha ha Maybe add some twinkle light on the trellis? I’d love to sit out on that bench and enjoy nature! I love your idea!

    • Lho24191140 Lho24191140 on Jun 22, 2017

      Oooh! Twinkle lights would be delightful, maybe solar even. Can't wait to try something and post the results! It may take a few weekends.

  • A A on Jun 22, 2017

    I will use anything as trellis. I have old bed springs, an old tall easel that I took apart and added chicken wire, metal clothes hangers connected together, an interesting head board & foot board that I got cheap at Goodwill (that actually ending up looking like a big spider when I was done), etc. The skies the limit.



    Instructables.com has a how-to on using sticks: http://www.instructables.com/id/Pick-Up-Sticksand-Make-a-Twig-Trellis/

  • Kerry Kerry on Jun 22, 2017

    While it's not rustic, you could try something like the trellis I made for my raised bed.

  • Nancy Turner Nancy Turner on Jun 22, 2017

    You could use bamboo and put it up in different designs for vines to go up. You could use anything viney, even cucumbers. gourds, grapes, or squash.

  • Thi20882090 Thi20882090 on Jun 22, 2017

    Turn it into a tiny home/summer retreat!!

  • What a beautiful yard! The shed doesn't bother me, but I do not live in such paradise. You have a great idea - go with it and how about a wall of climbing roses? Sweet potato vine grows quick too. Or any variety of jasmine?

  • Mary Gendron Mary Gendron on Jun 22, 2017

    Here is a rustic idea. I see your in a country area. cut small to medium saplings. the more flexible the better. You can use as is, or peel the bark off. you can bend and twist or weave these all together. where branches cross one another, use a small nail to secure or wire. Don't cut your saplings until your ready to use them as they will dry out quickly. As you work, you can cut out parts that are too abundant, or add to fill in. I've seem something like this in Jackson NH where a s=mall curio shop is, and it's very pretty. A lot of photos hae been taken of it.

  • Joanie Joanie on Jun 22, 2017

    I would LOVE to fix up that shed and use it, NOT hide it......I have been wanting a potting shed, but too late now. You're very lucky. Beautify it, paint it and use it.

    • Lho24191140 Lho24191140 on Jun 23, 2017

      Except it's not my shed. It's in the neighbouring side-yard. A "bunk house" someday, maybe could be built next to it? For now, just want to see my yard and not their shed.

  • Pep10534867 Pep10534867 on Jun 22, 2017

    I would paint flowers on that wall.

  • Johnchip Johnchip on Jun 22, 2017

    I like your natural cover concept. A woven trellis would be awesome. Weaving uses a 'warp' and a 'weft'; a base line and that which is 'wove' thru it. But I would paint the shed first neutral, clay/brown green, 'cammy' color.

  • Lisa Lisa on Jun 22, 2017

    Ha ha I have a bunch of projects that have not reached completion, so I totally understand! :)

  • Joanie Joanie on Jun 23, 2017

    You didn't say it wasn't yours., but that is okay.

    I have a fence around my area, but if you can't afford a fence, you may think of the Green Giant Arborvitae's......they make a great privacy wall........I planted 8 outside of my fence, because of a NOSY neighbor. They are deer, heat, cold and bug resistant. A super wall and they grow about 12 inches a year. Google them and you will see. Good Luck!!

  • Carol Carol on Jul 01, 2017

    For a quick and not too expensive cover I attached picket fencing to my ugly shed. You could attach to 4 x4 posts. Leave as is or plant vining plants. Mine is made of used fencing with clematis to vine up. Looks great and I get lots of compliments p it.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Feb 18, 2023

    Yes, paint flowers on the wall, like a big mural.

  • Janice Janice on Sep 22, 2023

    Since the shed isn't yours about all you can do is hide it and I like your idea of fashioning a type of free-standing trellis to block it from your view using natural materials. You could lay out the pattern for this on the ground with a few uprights and cross pieces and then "lash" them together using strong wire such wire hangers, etc. You could make this in a tripod design so the entire trellis will sit firmly on the ground and then plant vines and train them to grow up the newly created trellis. Another option not using a trellis is to plant quick growing hedge such as boxwood and trim it as you see fit. It might be beautiful to add lights to it as well. The entire space pictured is quite beautiful.

  • Here's a link for making a trellis with tree branches:

    https://www.ruralsprout.com/branch-trellis/