Bird Deterrents
If you want to keep birds away from your cherry tree, one of the most effective strategies is to install bird deterrents. Common deterrents include sonic repellents, visual scarers, netting, chemical sprays, and fake predators. Different deterrents suit different birds and situations – so it is important to research the right deterrents for your cherry tree.
For example, if you want to keep large birds such as crows and ravens away, a plastic owl or hawk can be effective. The birds recognize the predator shapes and steer clear. To prevent smaller birds such as sparrows or finches from congregating, the use of sound-emitting devices may be more efficient – such as those that simulate the sounds of hawks, owls, and other predators.
Netting can also be an effective method of keeping birds off your cherry tree. Birds dislike the feel and the limited visibility, and so will stay away. There are several types of netting which can be used, including wire mesh and netting with anti-perching spikes.
Chemical repellents can also be used, although these should be handled with care and applied according to the instructions. Repellents frequently contain substances such as naphthalene or other unpleasant odors, which irritate birds and persuade them to stay away. Chemical repellents should not be used indoors, and should be used in conjunction with other deterrents.
Creating an Uninviting Environment
In addition to deterrents, other strategies can be used to discourage the presence of birds. Trees should be trimmed on a regular basis to reduce the amount of roosting sites. Additionally, bird feeders should be kept at a distance from the tree – and any discarded food should be cleaned up regularly.
If water is available in your garden, consider moving it to another area. Alternatively, try to keep the edge of the pool or body of water rippled and the surface moving, which makes it harder for birds to drink and wash.
Finally, identify and reduce any food source that may be attracting birds in the first place. Common bird food sources include fruits, berries, grains, nectar, and insects. If there are any such sources near your cherry tree, then removal or replacement with an alternate food (such as bird seed) may reduce birds’ interest.
Identifying the Species
Before attempting to keep birds away from your cherry tree, it is important to identify the species of birds which are attracted to it. This will help you to choose the most suitable deterrents. Consider taking an audio or video recording of the birds, or take photographs to identify them.
You could also look into research papers or articles on the species in your area, and consult with other local fruit growers or landscapers to find out which species may be causing trouble.
Many species of birds are protected by law and so it is important to adhere to the local regulations. Additionally, birds play an important role in the environment, and so it is important to find the right balance between keeping them away and preserving their welfare.
Creating an Unpleasant Taste
Another way to protect your cherry tree is to discourage birds from eating its fruits by making them taste unpleasant. Pickling or doping the fruits with pepper, vinegar or other disagreeable flavors can be an effective method. However, this needs to be done carefully, so as not to damage the fruit.
It is also important to be aware that some birds, such as starlings, plum-headed parakeets and rose-ringed parakeets, can develop a taste for a certain kind of fruit. If your cherry tree is especially popular with these species, then you will need to take extra precautions to protect it.
Using Repellent Plants
One final way to protect your cherry tree from birds is to use repellent plants. Certain sources suggest that planting garlic, chilies or other pungent plants near your fruits can help keep birds away. However, it is important to remember that this will only be effective over a limited distance, and may not be suitable in all cases.
Alternatively, planting decoy plants nearby can help the birds to find another food source – thereby taking the pressure off your cherry tree. Suitable decoy plants include common fruit species, such as apples and pears, or native plants which are known to attract local bird species.
Human Interaction
Finally, scare away birds from your cherry tree through periodic human interaction. Planting your tree near a footpath or other place of human activity can help, as birds prefer areas where they can keep unnoticed.
Another method is to have an outdoors person that visits the tree four or five times a week and makes a lot of noise. This helps to deter the birds away from the tree, due to the perceived presence of a predator.
Taking similar approaches to other areas of your garden may also help. If the birds are not able to feed or roost in your garden, they may be more likely to steer clear of your cherry tree.
Desensitizing Birds
One final approach which can be used to keep birds away from your cherry tree is to desensitize them. When done correctly, this involves slowly conditioning the birds to become desensitized to the presence of humans. This can be achieved by forgoing aggressive tactics such as noise and scare tactics, and instead using positive reinforcement techniques.
For example, if birds are regularly fed a certain type of food, they will become used to seeing humans in the area, and may choose to avoid it. This method is best used with smaller, non-aggressive species of birds.
Identifying Vulnerable Times
In order to effectively keep birds away from your cherry tree, it is important to identify vulnerable times when the birds are most likely to visit and feed. This could include times close to sunset and sunrise, as well as when the cherries are at their ripest and most tempting. During these times, it is best to use active strategies such as human interaction or scare tactics, as well as the other strategies highlighted above.
Another important factor is considering the bird’s migratory patterns. Knowing when birds are passing through your area can help you to plan ahead and make sure to have deterrents in place during those times.
Using Multiple Strategies
Finally, remember that the best way to keep birds away from your cherry tree is to use multiple strategies. It is important to identify the types of birds which are visiting your tree, research multiple deterrents which can be used, and use a combination of methods to make your tree as unattractive as possible to visiting birds.
