Apple trees are popular in many yards, but unfortunately, birds love the fruit almost as much as people do. If birds are eating your apples before you get a chance, you may be tempted to reach for a scary-looking chemical deterrent — but you don’t need to. Here are seven simple tips to prevent birds from eating apples off your tree.
First, install netting on the entire tree. Netting is an effective and humane way to prevent birds from getting to the apples. It comes in varying sizes, so be sure to select a size that completely covers the tree’s leaf canopy. Attach the netting to the tree’s branches with plastic zip ties, making sure that the netting is kept taut and taught against the bark.
Second, put up brightly colored visual deterrents. Hang shiny foil strips, old CDs, or plastic owls in the branches around the tree. Be sure to move these deterrents around occasionally, so the birds don’t get used to them. You can also hang bright colored streamers or hang pie tins so they clank against each other when the wind blows.
Third, spray the apples with a dilution of hot pepper or garlic. The smell and taste of both substances repel birds, and neither will cause any harm to the apple tree or any humans who might eat the apples. Consider also spraying objects around the base of the tree with this mixture, as this may make the area less appealing to the birds.
Fourth, use bird spikes. Ugly as they may be, bird spikes are an effective, permanent way to stop birds from eating apples. Place the bird spikes along the tree’s branches, keeping them at least one foot away from the trunk to allow for proper air circulation. Make sure you use non-toxic versions to protect birds from potentially harmful chemicals, and place them out of reach for curious children and pets.
Fifth, play loud noises. You don’t need to be cruel; simply use recordings of birds in distress, animals growls, or other loud noises that mimic predators. You can also try leaving a portable radio near the tree, playing static noise or even talk radio at a low volume.
Sixth, add a water feature. Birds are attracted to water sources. Adding a pond, fountain, or birdbath into your yard will provide an attractive source for the birds, which in turn can take their attention away from your apples. Bonus points if the water feature has a nearby perch that the birds can use!
Seventh, prune your tree. Trim limbs that are close to the ground, and thin out overcrowded branches, as this will give the birds less places to land and feed. When you water your tree, make sure the sprinkler or hose is pointed away from the tree, so birds won’t get close to it.
Maintaining a Bird-Proof Environment
To prevent birds from eating apples on your tree, it’s important to maintain a bird-proof environment. Pick up any fallen fruit. Clip branches that are too close to the ground, and thin out overcrowded branches. Pick up old nesting materials from around the tree’s base, and spray objects around the tree with a dilution of hot pepper or garlic.
You should also install netting on the entire tree for a physical deterrent. If you need to, you can also use brightly colored visual deterrents such as shiny foil strips, old CDs, or plastic owls. Consider also playing loud noises around the tree, or adding a water feature nearby to attract birds away from the tree.
Creating an Artificial Source of Food
An alternative way to keep birds away from apples on the tree is to provide an artificial source of food. Plant shrubs and other plants or trees that produce food that birds prefer, such as berries or nuts. Set up a bird feeder, and make sure to keep it filled with the right food for the types of birds that live in your area. You could also add a birdhouse so the birds have a place to nest.
By providing an artificial source of food, you can attract the birds away from your apple tree and make sure they don’t get too hungry. This will help keep your apples safe from hungry birds and help you get the most out of your apple harvest.
Discouraging Regular Visitors
If you find that birds are regularly visiting your apple tree, it’s important to take steps to discourage them. This may include spraying the apples or other objects around the tree with a dilution of hot pepper or garlic. You can also use bird spikes, which can be placed on the tree’s branches to make it difficult or impossible for birds to land.
It is also important to keep your tree pruned and the area around it clean. Pick up any falling fruit or old eggshells, and clip branches that are too close to the ground. This can help make the area less attractive to birds, and make it more difficult for them to land or feed in the tree.
Using other Repellents
If birds continue to visit your apple tree, there are a couple of other methods you can try. You can use a combination of loud noises and visual deterrents, such as shiny objects and bright streamers. You could also try hanging a plastic owl or reflective balloon, which may help to frighten away any birds that decide to take a closer look.
You can also make use of ultrasonic bird repellents. These are designed to emit a sound that only birds can hear, and may help to discourage them from visiting your apple tree. However, bear in mind that these devices don’t always work and may need to be used in combination with other methods.
Finally, you could also choose to use chemical deterrents. These are generally seen as a last resort, as they can be harmful to the birds and other wildlife, as well as potentially hazardous to humans. Make sure to read the product instructions carefully and follow the guidelines before using any chemical deterrents.
