Trellis and Espalier Wire Requirements

Building a wire infrastructure to support the growth and development of specialty crops is a long-term investment.  Fruit, nut and other specialty crop farmers all strive for higher yields per acre. Properly designed trellises allow for many planting and harvesting options. Built right, structural support systems like trellises can support heavy spindles, stalks, trunks and branches. This promotes growth and development while carrying the additional weight of the fruit. Bekaert high tensile 12.5 gauge wire is ideal for any kind of specialty crop trellising. From orchard tree fruits like cherries, apples, pears, peaches, almonds, and plums to vines as well as more niche crops like hemp.

Download our brochure on high tensile wire for fruit and vegetable trellis and deer exclusion.

STRENGTH

Trellises for specialty crop production requires strong high tensile wire that will bear loads over long periods of time without stretching or elongating. Bekaert produces 200 KPSI high tensile 12.5 gauge smooth wire with a 1,500 lb breaking strength, making it perfect for heavily supported or heavy fruiting crops. 

To further reinforce the strength of your trellis, we recommend using Gripple Plus wire joiners, Gripple T-clips, and BeFAST Brace Kits. Using Gripple products makes trellis installation projects faster and easier. Our Gripple product line, combined with our Bekaert high tensile smooth wire, provides the solid, well-supported infrastructure that your orchard or vineyard needs to grow and flourish. 

SPACING

Post spacing on orchard or vineyard applications varies according to plant type and the style of trellis. Review specific application needs or contact #TheFencePros directly for recommendations on specific crop types. 

HEIGHT

Height recommendations are largely determined by plant or tree type. The height of the trellis also relates to the age or stage the plant is currently in. Some examples would include:

• Grapes – First wire is attached to the post around 3 feet off the ground. The second wire is attached at the top of the posts, 6 feet off the ground
• Apples – 4 to 8 wires at a height of 8 to 10 ft for high density applications
  

RECOMMENDATION

• For trellis wire, use: Bekaert's High Tensile 12.5 gauge Smooth Wire, 200 KPSI with Bezinal® coating to guard against corrosion from fertilizers and chemical sprays.
• For wire joining, termination, bracing, and anchoring use Gripple products: Gripple Plus wire joiners, T-clips, and BeFAST Brace Kits are all available to speed up installation time and make the process easier. For additional vineyard product recommendations, learn more at https://www.gripple.com/en-us/agriculture/vineyard-trellising/.