Birds love cherries, but their attaction to cherry trees can often be detrimental to their health. If left unchecked, these birds can strip a cherry tree of its fruit and cause significant damage to the tree itself. As a result, it is important to know how to stop birds eating cherry trees so they can be enjoyed year after year. Here are some tips on how to protect a cherry tree from the avian onslaught.
Identify the Species
The first step of preventing birds from eating a cherry tree is to properly identify the species. Different species of birds eat different types of trees and fruits, so understanding what specific type of bird is tending to the tree will help you to decide which control method would be most effective. Additionally, understanding the habits of a particular species can help reveal when they are most likely to be active around the tree. For example, some birds may prefer the cherries when they are just slightly unripened, meaning that a different form of control may need to be implemented halfway through the fruiting season.
Netting and Cover
Netting and bird covers are the most commonly used method for keeping birds away from a cherry tree. These nets and covers are designed to prevent birds from eating the fruit without affecting the health of the tree or the aesthetics of the landscape. They are also the most economical option for people who must protect multiple trees from birds. The only downside to using netting and covers is that a person must secure them prior to birds beginning to invade the cherry tree, meaning that they cannot always be effective if bird activity begins suddenly.
Sound Repellents
Sound repellents are another way to stop birds from eating cherry trees. Typically, these products are set up around the perimeters of a cherry tree and produce a series of high-pitched noises that are designed to irritate birds, thus prompting them to avoid the area around the tree. These repellents are best used when the birds frequenting the tree can be easily identified, as the sound signals will only affect the target species. The only downside to sound repellents is that they can be heard by human ears, meaning that they could be a nuisance for neighbors.
Visual Repellents
Visual repellents are another effective form of bird control for people wishing to protect their cherry trees. Visual repellents use the sight of a predator, usually a hawk, owl, or cat, to frighten the birds away from the area. These repellents come in a variety of shapes and sizes, such as large 3D cutouts and wind-activated moving decoys, and can be placed in a variety of locations around the cherry tree. Visual repellents are very effective in deterring birds and are often seen as the most humane form of bird control.
Fruit Removal
Fruit removal is another option to keep birds away from cherry trees. This strategy involves removing the fruit before it ripens and becomes attractive to birds. This is best done shortly after the fruit ripens, as birds can return with each day and consume the freshly ripened cherries. Additionally, removing the fruit before it is ripe prevents birds from becoming dependent on the cherry tree for their food source, as they can switch to other ripe fruits that are in the area.
Habitat Modification
Habitat modification is a strategy for preventing birds from eating cherry trees that involves altering the environment around the tree. By removing sources of food, water, and shelter near the cherry tree, a person can deter birds from the area and thus protect their tree. Removing water sources can prevent some water birds from visiting the tree and removing potential nesting sites can help to keep some land-based birds from taking up residency. Additionally, removing any surrounding vegetation can help to minimize bird activity.
Chemical Repellents
Finally, chemical repellents can also be used to protect cherry trees from bird damage. These products typically come in the form of sprays, dusts, or pellets and work by creating a film over the cherries that makes them unappealing to the birds. Overall, chemical repellents are a good option for people wanting to control bird activity, but they come with some safety issues and should be used according to the directions on the label.
Accessible Sources of Food
Providing alternate sources of food for birds helps to reduce the chances of them consuming the fruit from the cherry trees. Installing bird feeders and providing seed, nuts, and sweet snacks can help to keep birds from and away from cherry trees if the birds in the area are adaptable to feeding from other sources. Additionally, ensuring that an adequate supply of food is available will help to reduce the reliance of birds on cherry trees for sustenance.
Building Barriers
The construction of physical barriers around cherry trees can help to reduce the access of birds to the tree. This could include things like wires around the perimeter of the tree or even garden netting draped over the top of the tree. In some cases, even visual barriers, such as windbreaks or tall hedges, can be effective in reducing bird access. Additionally, if a cherry tree is located in an area with just a few other trees, these trees can be used to create a physical barrier, preventing birds from accessing the cherries.
Predation
Introducing predators around cherry trees can help to deter some bird species which may otherwise cause damage to the tree. This may include animals such as cats, hawks, and owls, all of which can be effective in controlling bird populations. However, one must be careful when introducing predators around a cherry tree, as they can also feed on the tree’s crops and can cause more damage than they prevent.
Retaliation
Retaliation is a method of bird control used by some gardeners in order to deter birds from destroying their cherry trees. When a bird is spotted taking fruit from a tree, one can retaliate by chasing it and making loud noises or spraying it with water, both of which could negate the bird’s attempts to return to the tree. This method can be effective, but it can also present some potential risks, such as the potential for injury or property damage.
Avoiding Attractants
Avoiding attractants is also an important step to take when attempting to prevent birds from eating cherries. This can include things like controlling the amount of lawn grass that is left to grow, as well as avoiding the use of bird feeders that can attract birds to a particular area. Additionally, it is important to control insect populations near the tree, as these can be a source of food for some bird species.
