What Is a Trellis Net? Cannabis Term Explained

In cannabis cultivation, achieving healthy growth and high-quality yields isn’t just about nutrients and lighting—it’s also about structure. As cannabis plants grow, especially during vigorous vegetative and flowering stages, their branches can become heavy, uneven, and difficult to manage. This is where the trellis net becomes an essential cultivation tool.

A trellis net is often overlooked by beginners, yet it is one of the most effective ways to train cannabis plants, improve light exposure, increase airflow, and support heavy buds. Whether you’re growing a single plant in a tent or managing a full room of flowering cannabis, trellis netting plays a critical role in shaping plant growth and maximizing results.

In this cannabis terms explained guide, we’ll explore what a trellis net is, how it works, why growers use it, the different types of trellis nets, how to install one correctly, and how it impacts cannabis yield, quality, and overall plant health.

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What Is a Trellis Net?

A trellis net is a grid-style netting system placed horizontally or vertically around cannabis plants to provide structural support and guide growth. The net is typically made from nylon, polyester, or elastic materials and features evenly spaced squares that allow growers to weave and position plant branches as they grow.

Rather than allowing cannabis plants to grow naturally upward in a single dominant cola, a trellis net encourages lateral growth. This results in a more even canopy where multiple bud sites receive equal access to light, air, and nutrients.

In simple terms, a trellis net helps control plant shape while increasing efficiency inside the grow space.

Why Trellis Nets Matter in Cannabis Cultivation

Cannabis plants are naturally resilient, but when grown indoors or in controlled environments, they don’t have wind, space, or natural obstacles to strengthen their structure. As buds develop and gain weight, branches can bend, snap, or collapse without support.

Trellis nets solve several key challenges at once:

• Prevent branches from falling over

• Support heavy flowers during late bloom

• Improve light penetration to lower bud sites

• Increase airflow through the canopy

• Maximize usable grow space

• Promote more consistent bud development

By spreading growth evenly across the net, growers can turn one tall plant into dozens of productive flowering tops.

Trellis Net vs. Plant Stakes and Cages

While plant stakes and cages can provide support, trellis nets offer unique advantages:

• Stakes support individual branches but don’t reshape the canopy

• Cages are bulky and impractical indoors

• Trellis nets provide full-canopy control and scalability

This makes trellis netting the preferred option for indoor cannabis grows, especially in grow tents and commercial facilities.

Types of Trellis Nets Used in Cannabis Grows

Fixed (Non-Elastic) Trellis Nets

These nets maintain their shape and size once installed.

Pros:

• Strong and durable

• Precise canopy control

• Ideal for heavy buds

Cons:

• Less forgiving during installation

• Harder to adjust mid-grow

Elastic Trellis Nets

Elastic nets stretch as plants grow, making them easier to install and manage.

Pros:

• Beginner-friendly

• Adjustable tension

• Faster setup

Cons:

• Less structural rigidity

• Can sag under extreme bud weight

Plastic vs. Fabric Nets

• Plastic nets are affordable and widely available but may degrade over time.

• Fabric or nylon nets are more durable and reusable.

Common Trellis Net Sizes

Trellis nets come in various square sizes, commonly:

• 2” x 2” – Ideal for early training and tight control

• 4” x 4” – Most popular for cannabis flowering

• 6” x 6” – Better for large plants or outdoor use

Choosing the right net size depends on plant size, strain structure, and training style.

How Trellis Nets Are Used in Cannabis Training

SCROG (Screen of Green)

The most common method associated with trellis nets is SCROG, or Screen of Green. In this technique, plants are trained to grow horizontally through the net during vegetative growth.

Benefits of SCROG include:

• Even canopy height

• More flowering sites

• Better light efficiency

• Reduced plant count with higher yields

SCROG is especially useful in grow tents with limited vertical space.

SOG (Sea of Green) Support

While Sea of Green focuses on many small cannabis plants rather than training, trellis nets are still used to support dense canopies and prevent bud collapse.

When to Install a Trellis Net

Timing is critical when using a trellis net:

Vegetative Stage Installation

Installing the net during late vegetative growth allows for early training and canopy shaping.

Early Flower Installation

Some growers wait until the first 1–2 weeks of flowering to install the net, helping manage stretch.

Double Trellis Technique

Many experienced growers use two trellis nets:

• First net for training and structure

• Second net for bud support during flowering

How to Install a Trellis Net Correctly

1. Secure the net tightly to the grow tent poles or frame

2. Keep the net level and evenly tensioned

3. Position the net 8–14 inches above the plant base (varies by strain)

4. Gently weave branches into empty squares

5. Avoid forcing or snapping stems

Patience and consistency are key to successful trellis training.

How Trellis Nets Improve Yield

Trellis nets help cannabis plants convert light into usable energy more efficiently. By flattening the canopy, more bud sites receive direct light, leading to:

• Increased bud size

• More uniform flower development

• Reduced popcorn buds

• Higher overall yield

Many growers report noticeable yield increases simply by adding trellis netting to their setup.

Impact on Airflow and Plant Health

A well-trained canopy improves airflow between branches and leaves. This helps:

• Reduce humidity pockets

• Prevent mold and mildew

• Lower pest risk

• Strengthen stems over time

Healthy airflow is especially important during late flowering when dense cannabis buds are most vulnerable.

Trellis Nets and Different Cannabis Strains

Indica-Dominant Strains

Shorter and bushier, indica strains benefit from spreading branches outward.

Sativa-Dominant Strains

Tall and stretchy, sativas often require trellis nets to control height and prevent leaning.

Hybrid Strains

Hybrids respond exceptionally well to trellis training due to balanced growth patterns.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Trellis Net Use

Indoor Grows

Trellis nets maximize limited space and lighting efficiency.

Outdoor Grows

Trellis nets help protect plants from wind and weather while supporting massive outdoor colas.

Outdoor trellis systems are often larger and sturdier than indoor versions.

Common Mistakes When Using Trellis Nets

• Installing the net too late

• Overcrowding the canopy

• Pulling branches too aggressively

• Using weak netting for heavy buds

• Ignoring airflow beneath the canopy

Avoiding these mistakes ensures healthier cannabis plants and better results.

Cleaning and Reusing Trellis Nets

Reusable trellis nets should be cleaned after each harvest to prevent pests or pathogens. Soaking in a mild hydrogen peroxide or alcohol solution can help sanitize netting before reuse.

Are Trellis Nets Necessary?

While not mandatory, trellis nets are one of the most effective tools for growers seeking consistent results. They offer a low-cost, high-impact improvement to plant structure and yield potential.

For commercial growers, trellis netting is often standard practice due to its efficiency and scalability.

Final Thoughts: Understanding Trellis Nets in Cannabis Cultivation

A trellis net may look simple, but its impact on cannabis cultivation is significant. By guiding growth, supporting heavy flowers, and optimizing light distribution, trellis nets help growers unlock the full potential of their plants.

In cannabis terms explained, a trellis net represents control, efficiency, and intentional cultivation. Whether you’re growing at home or managing a larger operation, understanding how and when to use trellis netting can dramatically improve plant health, yield, and overall grow quality.

Once you master trellis net training, you’re no longer just growing cannabis—you’re shaping it with purpose.

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