Twig Lattice

Rustic Fence Panels

You can also make a frame from dimension lumber, adding the twigs for accent.

The shorter pieces salvaged from other projects can be used for making the actual lattice; using bent and more rustic twigs only adds to the charm.

Twigs will quickly rot in contact with the ground, so suspending the twig lattice is important.

Twig lattice panels along the top of an existing fence looks great and lasts a long time.

No really long straight twigs for a frame? No problem - I’ve also made twig lattice fences strung on two wires between posts. This makes a flexible fence very quickly and effectively. The design of a twig lattice is usually in a criss-cross or diamond pattern, but can also be made in squares instead of diagonally.

Twig Lattice Fence

I make twig lattice panels in standard sizes, usually around one meter in length and 30-45cm tall, adjusting to fit the space available. These panels can be installed on top of a cedar or barnboard fence, or upright to make a trellis against a wall or shed for a vine support. Two tall ones as uprights with a shorter one across the top make a rustic twig archway over a path to be covered with honeysuckle or clematis.

See the pages on twig craft techniques and tools for twig craft before you start your project for more information.

To make any of these twig projects, you need to have access to lots of twigs, and a place to store them until you use them. Find a ready source of twigs and branches by contacting landscaping maintenance companies, roadside pruning crews, and orchard owners or grow your own in a hedgerow or shelterbelt if you have room. A simple open sided shed is ideal to store the cut twigs, as there is lots of air flow but no rain directly on them. Keep them up off the floor if possible, especially if the floor is dirt, as twigs will rot in contact with soil.

The best twigs to use are Salix (willow) simply because of their typically long whippy growth, Corylus avellana (hazel) or the long water sprouts that form on fruit trees if they are pruned too hard. Coppicing or pollarding will produce lots of these types of shoots.

Cut them to the same length, one meter or more, and bundle them and use elastic bands or twine to hold them fairly loosely together. Stack them on shelves, slings of rope or over two saw horses so the air can dry them evenly. If you can use them right away, so much the better. It doesn’t affect the finished twig lattice if they are used green.

I work on the ground or on a long table or staging in the greenhouse; the most important thing is the height of your workspace. Adjust it to fit, so you can work comfortably.

Diagonal or Diamond Twig Lattice

Select two long straight canes – find ones that are about 20 - 30mm (no twigs will give you exact measurements) and place them approximately 30-40cm apart.

Carefully attach two shorter end pieces about the same thickness using tie wire. Adjust them to be parallel, and nail them together at the same place as the wire. Make the ends of the wire into pigtails so they don’t catch on anything.

Start placing smaller pieces diagonally across the frame, until the spacing looks right to you. Do all the ones going in one direction, then lay the others going the other way on top.

Using a very small drill bit, drill pilot holes straight through into the frame through both lattice pieces. Nail them in place with small nails.

At the ends you’ll notice that two of the pieces won’t meet the frame, so you can cut a spacer about 10-20mm long to fit into the space between the frame and the top piece.

Make sure it’s all square, and put a few more nails to hold everything secure.

You’re done! To install the panels, wire or nail them to the top of an existing fence, or string them on a wire strung between posts.

go to Drought Smart Plants home page

Rustic Crafts

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