Stop Birds from Eating Cherries on Your Cherry Tree
Cherry trees can be the stars in any garden and the delight of harvest season. Every year, we wait for the not-too-sweet juices to finally fill the taste buds with a unique flavour. But some birds find cherry trees so attractive that they will pick the entire harvest well before the time to pick it ourselves. If you want an assurance that you can reap the rewards of planting a cherry tree, here are some tips on how to protect it from birds.
Choose the Right Tree
The best way to protect a cherry tree from birds is to choose varieties that have prickly leaves. Prickly leaves prevent the birds from reaching the cherries. Varieties with sweet fruit tend to ripen earlier, which means the birds get to your cherries first. Consider trees with sour cherries, as they tend to be less attractive to birds. Purchasing dwarf cherries varieties can be extremely effective as they tend to flower and fruit later in the season.
Cover with Mesh
Birds are used to free-range areas, so their first instinct is to land on a tree and peck the fruit. Therefore, to protect your tree from birds, consider covering it with mesh or shade cloth. All you need is some pipe, posts and sturdy canvas or mesh. When making your own bird-proof covering, use a stronger mesh as smaller ones can allow smaller birds to get through. For extra protection, you can attach the mesh to the tree.
Use Scare Tactics
Birds dislike loud noises and sudden movements. Therefore, using scare tactics is a very effective way of controlling birds. Installing noise-generating equipment around the tree can make it difficult for birds to feed from the cherry tree. You can try tying ribbons and strings around the tree as they can be disturbed by the slightest of movements. Another great way is to hang CDs or tin plates, as these will reflect sunlight and scare the birds away. You can also buy inflatable owls or other predators that can scare away birds.
Install Nets
Installing nets can be a great way to protect cherry trees from birds. Cover the ripening cherries with mesh, making sure to leave enough space between the mesh and the tree. This will prevent birds from eating the cherries while they are still on the tree, while providing the required ventilation. The net should also be checked regularly to make sure it is tightly fitted over the tree.
Remove Attractants
Some birds are more attracted to areas that provide food and shelter. Therefore, you should keep your cherry tree area clean and tidy by removing any debris or dead branches. This will help reduce the likelihood of attracting the curious birds. Also, do not leave fruit behind and be sure to pick up fallen cherries from the ground. Birds tend to feed on fallen cherries as well.
Hand Pick
If all else fails, you can always try hand-picking the birds. As soon as you spot a bird, remove it from the tree as quickly and safely as possible. Do not attempt to capture a bird by hand, as this can be quite dangerous. Professional bird capture is one of the most effective and humane ways of removing birds from a cherry tree.
Hybrid Varieties of Cherry Trees
In recent years, the choice of cherry varieties has increased significantly, with the introduction of various hybrid cherries, including some with prickly leaves. While these can be effective in limiting bird access, they still require protection until the ripe cherries are collected. These hybrid varieties come in a variety of sizes and shapes, as well as different levels of sweetness. For example, you can find some really early ripening cherries that can help you get ahead of the birds.
Gardener Tips for the Cherry Tree
Apart from the protection from birds, there are some other gardening tips to keep in mind. The trees should be watered properly and fertilized with necessary nutrients. Maintaining the soil is essential for cherry trees as it helps them to stay productive for longer periods. Pruning should also be carried out to remove dead branches and improve air circulation in the canopy. Other measures to help with the pest and disease control in cherry trees include destroying the infected branches, avoiding overcrowding the trees, and keeping the area surrounding the trees free of weeds.
Using Repellents to Protect Cherry Trees
The most common way of controlling bird damage in a cherry tree is by using repellents. There are many commercial bird repellents available in the market, but they can be quite expensive. Alternatively, you can make your own bird repellents at home with simple ingredients such as garlic, onion, and chilli powder. Another effective way to prevent birds from entering the cherry tree is to spray a diluted solution of liquid soap over the tree. This is an old gardener’s trick that is both safe and effective.
Vigilance Is Key to Protect Cherries from Birds
Finally, vigilance is essential for keeping the cherry trees free from birds. Once you have set up the necessary protection measures, it is important to regularly monitor the trees for any signs of bird damage. It is also important to be aware of signs of bird droppings, which usually appear either on the leaves or underneath the tree. Make sure that any damaged fruits are picked up immediately so that the birds do not return.
