Understand why birds destroy cherry trees
Having a cherry tree in the backyard is a beautiful addition to the home, but it is increasingly becoming a breakfast banquet for hordes of hungry birds. Therefore, it is important to understand why birds are attracted to cherry trees and how to prevent them from ruining the fruits.
Brienne Janitz, a certified horticulturist, explains that birds typically flock to trees for two reasons. The first is for shelter, and the second is for food. The latter has become more of a problem in suburban areas and backyards due to the increasing numbers of birds being attracted to the fruits and berries found in our gardens.
Experts agree that identifying the species of birds is an important step when trying to keep them away from the cherry tree. That’s because birds may have different preferences for food and shelter, so the strategies that work to keep away one species may not be effective for another.
Use Deterrent Strategies Effectively
Once the birds have been identified, the next step is to devise an effective plan to deter them. Visual deterrents such as hanging metallic strips, foil, colored streamers, baubles and other shiny objects have been found to be a successful repellent for birds, as they perceive them to be a potential danger.
Other effective deterrents include noise makers, such as recordings of birds of prey or natural predators of the birds that are causing a problem. Loud sounds of clanging pots, pans or whistles can also be used to make birds think twice about coming near the tree.
Physical barriers are an essential tool for ensuring birds do not feast on delicious cherries. Netting is an effective choice as it stops birds from getting access to the fruits. Building a wire mesh fence at least two feet in height around the tree can also keep birds away.
Using liquid deterrents such as taste repellents and unnaturally smelling sprays can also be beneficial, while applying bird spikes to the branches of the tree can deter climbing birds, such as starlings or crows.
Manage the Environment Around the Cherry Tree
It is also important to remove any sources of food and shelter that may be attracting birds to the tree. Reducing sources of food, such as open rubbish, standing pools of water and bird feeders, can help to make the environment less inviting for the birds.
Removing cover such as tall trees and shrubs can also discourage birds from visiting and settling in the area. Ensuring that the lawn and garden are tidy will also make it much less appealing for birds to come back.
It is also important to remove old fruit from the ground as soon as possible, as birds are attracted to rotting and fermented fruit. Pruning trees will also help in keeping them healthy and preventing the accumulation of debris where birds may take shelter.
Apply humane bird control methods
Although it may be tempting to use cruelty-filled deterrents in an attempt to keep birds away, experts strongly advise against it. Humane methods are far more effective and have been tried, tested and proven to be the most successful.
Hiring a professional to assess the situation and develop a suitable bird control plan is always a good option. This will ensure that the most appropriate measures are taken for the situation, and that the birds do not become unduly stressed.
Use Water to Disperse Birds from the Cherry Tree
If birds are already settled in the cherry tree, then water can be used as a harmless deterrent. A garden hose or a water sprayer can be used to spray water directly towards the birds. This will startle them and make them fly away, and will make them less likely to return.
Other natural deterrents that can be used in combination with water include placing predators near the fruit tree, such as rubber snakes or owls. These will provide a natural defense mechanism and birds will be less likely to venture near the tree.
Installing a bird bath in the garden, however, should be avoided as it will only make the cherry tree more appealing to hungry birds!
Seal Entry Points to the Tree
In order to keep birds away from the cherry tree for good, it is important to make sure that potential roosting spots in the tree are sealed off. This can be done by checking the tree for any potential entry points and sealing them with wire mesh.
It is also a good idea to keep the bird-friendly shrubs away from the tree. Trimming back tall branches and thickets will also help to make the tree less attractive to birds.
Exploit the Refuge Areas Whether Natural or Artificial
To provide a safe shelter for birds, it is critical to create refuge areas in the garden. Natural areas like trees, shrubs and hedges provide cover for birds, and strategically placing bird feeders and perches around the garden can also help to keep birds away from the cherry tree.
Artificial refuge areas can include birdhouses, nest boxes and roosts. These should be placed in areas of the garden that are away from the cherry tree, and will also provide a great source of food for birds in the summer months.
Conclusion
Overall, it is important to understand why birds are attracted to cherry trees and identify the species causing problems. There are numerous humane deterrent strategies that can be employed, such as physical barriers and visual deterrents, and environmental factors like food sources and shelter can be managed to keep birds away.
