Trellis with plants
The notion of espalier comes from the back . To understand the meaning of the term, therefore, it is first useful to focus on the idea of back: this is what the posterior part or region of someone or something is called.
Returning to the concept of trellis, the first meaning mentioned by the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ) in its dictionary refers to a trellis that is installed on a wall to allow certain plants to climb it and develop . The trellis, in this way, enables flat growth of the species in question.
Origins of the trellis
It can be said that the espalier is a technique , although this is also the name given to the shape acquired by the tree or plant that grows on the trellis. It is believed that the origins of the trellis date back to Ancient Egypt but it was in the Middle Ages when it became more common.
It is important to keep in mind that there is no single form of trellis. The framework of the structure can have different designs ( cord , palmette , horizontal and others), defining the way in which the growth of the branches takes place.
Benefits of the technique
The main advantage of the trellis is that it minimizes the space occupied by the plant without compromising its development. Depending on where the facility is located, the species can receive the same amount of sunlight as a traditionally grown specimen; However, when it spreads flat it does so on a smaller surface area.
Due to this characteristic, it is common to use trellises in small gardens . Trellises are also created for ornamental purposes as they serve to establish plant coverage of a wall.
Other benefits of trellises are that they help accelerate the growth of fruits and that, because the wall reflects light and is able to retain heat at night, they enable the growth of vegetables in regions that have temperatures lower than what is advisable for conventional growth.
Trellis frame
The backrest in gymnastics
The RAE also recognizes another use of trellis. This is the name given to the structure made up of wooden bars that are used to perform gymnastics exercises .
The trellises consist of horizontal and parallel bars , arranged at different heights. The upper bar protrudes, unlike the rest, to facilitate certain exercises .
The set is attached to the wall. It should be noted that gymnastic backrests are not only used for exercise: they are also very useful within the framework of a rehabilitation process.
The ways of using the trellises are multiple. The person can stand facing or with their back to the wall, rest their feet on the backrest and hands on the floor, etc.
Posture correction garment
Lastly, a garment used for postural correction is called a back brace. These back braces help align the spine and provide support.
What the back protectors do is generate tension in the shoulder area thanks to their elastic fibers. This way it is easier to maintain an upright posture , minimizing neck and back discomfort.