The following criteria needs to be considered when assessing trellis systems;

• Legislation
• Plant density, alley width and trunk length requirements
• Features of site, e.g. frost susceptibility, wind exposure.
• Effectiveness of light interception (total exposed canopy surface/ha)
• Quality of canopy microclimate
• Cost & time of establishment (posts, wire, plants)
• Cost and time of maintenance (pruning, shoot positioning)
• Mechanisability (harvest, pruning etc...)
• Popularity and attractiveness