Maximizing Your Growing Space: The Complete Guide to Greenhouse Trellising

Every high tunnel or greenhouse contains untapped vertical potential. Professional trellising transforms your growing space into a three-dimensional environment that dramatically increases yield while reducing labor costs. From indeterminate tomatoes reaching toward the rafters to cucumber vines heavy with fruit, proper support systems determine whether you struggle with tangled vegetation or enjoy efficient crop management.

The Science Behind Successful Trellising

Research shows that trellised crops experience:

• 40-60% increased marketable yield

• Up to 75% reduction in foliar disease pressure

• Significant improvements in harvest efficiency

• Enhanced fruit quality through better light penetration
  
  

Core Benefits:

• Vertical space optimization - Transform unused headspace into productive growing area

• Superior disease management - Improved airflow reduces humidity-related issues

• Streamlined maintenance - Clear access for pruning, pest monitoring, and harvest

• Extended growing season - Better light distribution leads to earlier production

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Engineering-Based Design

Our Commercial-Grade trellis system includes:

• 8 industry-leading 54" wind braces

• Aircraft-grade 3/16" galvanized cable (7,000 lb breaking strength)

• Forged steel cable clamps rated for dynamic loads

• Load distribution across structural members
  
  

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Installation Specifications

1. Primary Support Framework

• Two sets of wind braces in the rafters: one bracing the first truss to the second, another bracing the second to the third

• Options to brace to the end walls of the high tunnel or greenhouse if building new or adding additional framing to your end wall
  
  

2. Cable Infrastructure

• Main support cables centered over your beds for single or double leader growing

• Double-clamped terminations
  
  

3. Trellis twine or lines

• Compatible with traditional roller hook style trellis systems or Qlipr systems

• Custom on farm solutions

• Tied strings

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Investment Considerations

A professional trellis system typically costs $2-4 per linear foot of tunnel length (approximately $300 for 96') but delivers ROI through:

• Labor savings during peak season

• Reduced crop loss from disease and handling

• Increased marketable yield per square foot

• 20+ year operational lifespan

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Maintenance

• Annual cable tension check

• Pre-season hardware inspection

• Post-season cleaning

• Expected cable replacement: 10-15 years

       

Ready to Add a Trellis?

Contact our greenhouse specialists to design a custom trellis solution for your growing operation. We'll analyze your crop plans, structure specifications, and production goals to optimize your vertical growing space.