Not every landscaping job begins with a blank canvas.
Sometimes, it begins with a frustration like a plain fence that’s ruining the view from your patio or kitchen window.
That’s exactly the situation Crenshaw Landscapes faced at a recent Houston home.
The client had grown tired of looking at the fence, and after spending a few days on-site, Crenshaw designed a functional and beautiful solution: install steel trellises, plant new greenery, and prepare the space for fresh mulch.
It wasn’t a major overhaul but it made a major difference.
Listening to the Client Solving Real Design Challenges
Every landscaping project starts with a conversation.
In this case, the client made one thing clear — they didn’t like the way their fence looked.
So Crenshaw responded with a thoughtful design plan that checked all the boxes:
- Remove old, tired plants
- Install six steel trellises to add vertical interest and soften the fence line
- Plant fresh greenery to complement the trellis layout
- Schedule fresh mulch application for a clean, polished finish
“The clients did not like to look at their fence… so we installed six steel trellises to rebeautify the area.”
This is where Crenshaw excels: turning negative spaces into focal points.
Steel Trellises More Than Just Structure
Steel trellises are the unsung heroes of modern landscaping.
They add vertical dimension, visual contrast, and support for climbing plants, all while drawing attention away from plain or unsightly backgrounds like fences, walls, or utility areas.
Crenshaw used six evenly spaced steel trellises to break up the fence line and frame new plantings in a symmetrical, balanced way.
Benefits of Steel Trellises in Landscaping
- Durable and low maintenance
- Rust-resistant and weatherproof
- Provide an architectural element to gardens
- Offer support for vines, roses, or ivy
- Turn empty vertical space into an artistic feature
Steel Trellis vs. Wood Trellis
| Feature | Steel Trellis | Wood Trellis |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Highly weather-resistant | Prone to rot and warping |
| Maintenance | Minimal upkeep | Requires sealing or staining |
| Aesthetic | Sleek, modern look | Rustic or traditional appeal |
| Longevity | 15+ years | 5–7 years |
Planting with Purpose New Growth for a New View
Once the trellises were in place, the Crenshaw team got to work removing old, unhealthy plants and laying out new plant selections that would thrive in the space.
The goal wasn’t just to plant it was to create balance and make the fence line feel lush, layered, and inviting.
Crenshaw considered factors like:
- Sun exposure along the fence
- Soil quality
- Desired height and spread of each plant
- Future plans to train vines or climbers up the trellises
Common Trellis-Friendly Plants for Houston
- Carolina Jessamine
- Star Jasmine
- Coral Honeysuckle
| Plant Name | Growth Style | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Star Jasmine | Twining vine | Fragrant white flowers |
| Carolina Jessamine | Fast climber | Bright yellow blooms |
| Coral Honeysuckle | Semi-evergreen vine | Attracts hummingbirds |
Mulch The Final Step to Tie It All Together
While mulch may seem like a minor detail, it’s the finishing touch that completes any garden renovation.
In this project, fresh mulch was scheduled to be applied the following day — allowing time for all plantings and installations to be perfectly set.
Why wait?
Letting plants settle for a day helps the mulch layer lock in moisture, reduce transplant shock, and cover up any soil disturbance from installation.
Benefits of Fresh Mulch in Houston Landscapes
- Regulates soil temperature
- Prevents weeds
- Reduces erosion from heavy rains
- Adds a polished, finished look
Mulch Colors and Their Visual Effect
| Mulch Color | Best For | Visual Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Dark Brown | Traditional landscapes | Earthy, natural contrast |
| Black | Modern or high-contrast designs | Bold and clean |
| Red | Tropical or colorful gardens | Vibrant, energizing look |
How Crenshaw Tackles a Fence Beautification Project
To understand the Crenshaw approach, here’s a quick breakdown of how this multi-day project unfolded:
- Initial client walkthrough to understand problem areas
- Removal of unwanted or dying plants
- Installation of six steel trellises evenly spaced along fence line
- Soil prep and plant selection layout
- Planting of new shrubs, climbers, and bedding plants
- Planning irrigation coverage and spacing
- Scheduling mulch delivery and installation for next day
- Final cleanup and aesthetic adjustments
This method ensures every project phase is executed intentionally, with care and attention to long-term results.
Why We Think This Is Important
Many homeowners think they need a massive overhaul to transform their yard.
But sometimes, it’s the smallest spaces, the most overlooked corners — that have the most potential.
At Crenshaw Landscapes, no detail is too small.
Whether it’s a stretch of fence that needs some visual love or a forgotten bed that could use fresh mulch, they bring creativity, structure, and heart to every project.
This job proves that even a fence you used to avoid looking at can become the centerpiece of your yard — with the right design, the right plants, and the right team.
FAQs
What are the benefits of using a steel trellis in landscaping?
Steel trellises are durable, weather-resistant, and provide vertical interest. They’re perfect for climbing plants and transforming bland fence lines into visual focal points.
How long does it take to install trellises and replant a bed?
Typically, Crenshaw completes the trellis and planting phases in 1–2 days, followed by mulch and finishing touches shortly after.
Can I choose what plants go on my trellises?
Yes! Crenshaw works with each client to select plants based on your preferences, sun exposure, soil, and maintenance level.
Is mulch necessary after planting?
Absolutely. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and gives a clean, unified look to your landscape beds.
Will the trellises damage my fence?
No. Trellises are installed independently or anchored in a way that avoids stress or damage to the existing fence structure.
