Which Blackberry Plants to Trellis

Do blackberry plants need a trellis? The answer depends on the variety! While erect blackberry plants typically stand on their own, semi-erect and trailing blackberry plants benefit from trellising to keep their canes upright and fruit off the ground.

Trellising your blackberries improves fruit quality, increases airflow, and makes harvesting easier. But don’t worry about finding the "perfect" blackberry trellis design—there are plenty of simple and effective ways to support your blackberry plants using materials you may already have.

Understanding Blackberry Growth Habits

Erect Blackberry Plants

Erect blackberries naturally grow upright and usually do not require a trellis. These self-supporting blackberry plants are great for home gardens, hedge rows, or container growing. While young canes may initially sprawl, they will strengthen and hold their own as the plants mature.

Semi-Erect Blackberry Plants

Semi-erect blackberries have a spreading growth habit and require trellising to keep their fruit off the ground. A blackberry trellis or a sturdy fence helps them grow upward, making pruning and harvesting more manageable.

Trailing Blackberry Plants

Trailing blackberry varieties have long, flexible canes that must be trellised for proper support. Without a blackberry trellis, these plants will sprawl on the ground, making them more susceptible to disease, pests, and fruit rot.

Our selection of semi-erect blackberry plants includes:

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How to Trellis Blackberry Plants

When trellising blackberry plants, don’t stress about finding the "perfect" design. Many common structures—like an existing fence, railing, or trellis system—can work well.

Here are a few key tips to consider:

• Most blackberry plants grow to be 4-5 feet tall and wide, so choose a trellis height that supports full growth.
• DIY trellis kits are available at most hardware stores, or you can build your own simple blackberry trellis using wooden posts, wire, or cattle panels.
• Check out illustrated blackberry trellis designs from the North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension Service for step-by-step construction ideas.
• For more guidance, our book Pruning Made Easy provides expert advice on blackberry pruning, trellising, and care.

Example of a Homemade Trellis via DeWayne Harrell of HobbyBerries featured below:

Why Trellis Your Blackberries?

Trellising blackberry plants is one of the best ways to maximize fruit production and plant health. Whether you’re growing semi-erect or trailing blackberries, a trellis system will:

• Improve fruit quality by keeping berries off the ground
• Increase airflow, reducing the risk of disease
• Make harvesting easier by keeping fruit within reach
• Encourage stronger, healthier plant growth

If you’re wondering which blackberry plants need a trellis, the key is understanding their growth habit. Erect varieties can stand on their own, while semi-erect and trailing blackberries benefit from trellis support.

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Some other berry plants besides blackberries might also require trellises.

Our selection of trailing berry plants includes:

• Boysenberry
• Thornless Loganberry