Trellis Tripod From Pruned or Fallen Branches

Re-purpose pruned branches or fallen branches from a storm as a functional teepee trellis that's perfect for supporting climbing vegetables like beans, peas, cucumbers, or flowering vines. This traditional three-pole structure is easy to build, looks great, and can be customized to fit any garden space.

1. 3 straight wooden branches, poles, or bamboo (whatever height you desire, but at least 4 feet for a taller teepee)
2. About 6 feet of cordage (I recommend natural twine since it is cheap, easy to work with, and looks great in the garden)
3. Garden Shears or scissors

During a recent hailstorm, I lost quite a few large branches. Rather than haul these off to the dump, I chose to repurpose some of the branches!

1. Find 3 branches that are at least an inch thick at their base, fairly straight, and at least 4 feet long.
2. Cut these branches off and trim off any smaller branches from the main pole (bonus green-living hack: these can be composted or used as a soil barrier).
3. Cut each of the long branches so that they are all the exact same height (trim from the short end to maintain maximum strength).

1. Trim your string to about 6 feet so that it will be easier to manage, but still have plenty of cord.
2. Lay out the branches parallel to each other with the tops lined up.
3. Place the string underneath the branches about 3 inches from the top.

**This is the trickiest step, but harness your inner Boy Scout! You got this!!**

1. Tie the first outside branch with a knot (I recommend a clove hitch, but any really is fine).
2. Wrap the long end of the string around all three branches, pulling them tight.
3. Feed the string between the branched wrapping perpendicular to the first wraps, making what is called a "frap". (Make about 3 fraps in each gap)
4. Tie off 2 simple overhand knots with the end of the string to one of the outside poles.

Woo! Look at you making it to the end! Gold stars all around!!! ...Or should they be green stars ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

1. Now fold the center pole away from you and the two outside poles forward to form a teepee!
2. Press the ends of each pole slowly into the soil around your existing plant or where you plan to plant.

Wobbly Structure: Usually caused by insufficient pole depth or loose top binding. Re-bury poles deeper or add additional wrapping at the top.

Plants Not Climbing: Some plants need initial guidance. Gently wrap young vines around the supports to get them started.

Binding Coming Loose: Natural twine may stretch when wet. Check after rain and retighten as needed, or consider using synthetic garden twine for areas with frequent moisture.

Plant Growing Past Teepee: If your plant starts to grow past the teepee, you can now easily create another teepee that is taller with longer branches (or bamboo) and nest it on top of the first one.

This teepee trellis will provide years of reliable service and make an attractive focal point in any garden. The rustic appearance improves with age, and the structure can be easily modified or relocated as your garden evolves. Plus, you repurposed a beautiful part of our planet and helped keep our world happier.