I have a large Arbor/Pergola (12' x 18') in RedWood half covered with 2 wisteria vines.

I would like to stain the arbor, but I am afraid it will damage the wisteria.

I know I should have stained the structure before the wisteria started to climb...

Can I stain it now (winter time) without seriously damaging the wisteria?

Any type of stain that would be less damageable to the vine?

I would like to spray the stain, instead of using a brush.

Thank you!

Francois

PS If it is going to kill the wisteria, I won't do it, but then the wood won't last as long, causing the vine to be "murdered" anyway when I have to replace the structure...

Francois,
1] Use a water based stain for exterior applications.
2] Do Not Spray...Once on the vines it will seal the bark.

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ZIP
[The Alamo City]

Thanks for your reply.

With the water based stain, is it OK to have "some" on the bark?

The wisteria covers most of the strcture, I was hoping to "roughly" stain in-between the branches. Some of it will definitly come in contact with the branches.

Francios,
I don't see a real problem with getting 'some' on the bark at all. I was really concerned about you wanting to spray it on.

Read the back of the paint can for contents and/or ask the paint dealer to help you.

_________________
ZIP
[The Alamo City]

Wow, I'm just thinking about building a redwood arbor for wisteria, and I am so glad to be able to ask you questions! 1. How large a wisteria plant did you plant, and how long before it climbed up the arbor? 2. and only 2 plants are covering an 18' arbor? 3. why do you want to stain the redwood? doesn't it do well without stain? 4. Is your soil heavy clay or something else? Thanks in advance

1- Regarding the Wisteria, I bought 2 plants last spring (About 3' tall, 3 gallons). They started to climb very quickly. I would have bougth 4 of them, but the other 2 posts are on the concrete deck.
They have climbed very fast to the 12' high structure. I had to help it a bit direct its growth in the proper direction. If I would do it again, I would prune/support it more during the summer while it is growning and focus on a few major limbs for the climbing. I will try to clean it up this winter.

2- It covered about half the structure by mid summer. I expect it will fully cover it this summer (2nd season). That is what I hope. I have seen very large areas covered by a single vine, the trunk can get quite big. Be sure to put big posts (e.g. 6"x6")

3- Regarding the staining, I did not do it before assembling the structure, and now I have some regrets. It still has a nice color, but much lighter red. I expect it to be gray by the end of next summer. I kind of like the redwood color. By the way, this wood is incredible (sorry for the living tree). It smells great and it is very easy to work with. Definitly worth the extra price. Try to find a good lumber supplier that specializes in Redwood/Cedar. If you are in DFW area, try Lee Roy Jordan, I was quite pleased with them.

4- Generally, the soil in my area is heavy clay. However, the area where I planted the wisteria is mostly sand from the deck/pool building. So the drainage was good (not sure if important for wisteria), contrary to where I planted my dying RedOak , but that is another story. I imagine the root system will get to the clay, if not already.

I would think about trimming the plant quite heavy, right now. You may be able to slid a piece of sheet metal between the vines and the post to avoid damage or marks on the structure when you prune the vine.
This is a vigorous, hearty plant. It will be difficult to over prune. Look for a main stem going up the post and try to trim most everything else off. This will expose most of the wood for staining. I assume you care most about the foliage on top of the structure which produces the shade. If you cut much of that off it will probably grow back before the real hot weather begins.
Tony M

Thanks for the wonderful information. We're building a new house in Cedar Hill on an acre lot, and I'm planning an elaborate low maintenance garden. This will be a semi-circular pergola around the spa-pool area. We're going to use 6x6 redwood posts as you suggest, and also use it to support the required fence, continuing the fence for the rest of the 'circle.' I'll try some other flowering vines on the fence part - probably clematis, morning glory, maybe a rose.

Any reader have experience with clematis in DFW clay? I will amend the soil with compost, etc.

One other question on the arbor: I was planning 10' high, but yours is 12' I think. Why did you choose that height? Do you recommend I consider that? How much will the wisteria hang down I wonder?

Thanks again - any good photos of yours to post?

Regarding your smaller flowering vines, I have not tried these in the area, but I am having good success with 5 star jasmine. They smell terrific and stay green all winter.


I re-measured my posts, and they stand 10' high, not 12'. I think I bought 12' thinking I would need the height, but 10' is plenty. They only reason I could think of to go higher would be to install a ceiling fan, but even then, I think 10' is plenty.


The wisteria have not started to hang down (probably this spring), but I don't think it will be a problem.


Regarding pictures, I don't have an accessible web site, but email me at francois.lafontaine@comcast.net, and I will send you back the pictures.