There is only one sure way to keep the birds off your fruit – and that’s to bird net. I write this today because this is the question on your lips, and you’re all so disgruntled when I answer bird net! Why do you all hate bird net so much? I love it! And I love the birds too, I really do – especially when they aren’t eating the bulk of my fruit.
Good quality net is a worthy investment. Buy direct form the industry for long lasting fabric that you can re-use for years to come. Check out Cosio Industries, Permathene, Advanced Landscape Supplies or Redpath, or who ever your local supplier is.
Size matters
Go large so as to achieve a lovely slack fit around the tree that allows the branches to hang loose in as close a semblance to their natural shape as possible. A larger net is also heaps easier to put on and get off. Tree size depending -I like a 12m square net.
When + How
I like to leave protecting trees as late as possible to reduce the amount of shoots that grow through the net. Keep an eye out and when the birds start pecking, that’s your moment to get the net on.
Putting the net over is a bit of a knack but after a few go’s you and your net partner will get the hang of it. If you’re a shorty like me then get a broom.
Lay the net out along one side of the tree, in an orderly box-of-tissue concertina type style, so that as you lift it over the tree it’ll keep flowing. Well worth the 5 minutes to set up. It’ll save arguments, trust me.
Stand one on either side of the tree. Hook your broom under the top section of folded net, and lift it over as far as you can. Take the broom out and get it under the net again a bit lower down and lift another section up onto the tree.
All you need do now is go round to the other side of the tree and hook the edge of the net with the broom and pull it towards you in a few hits. They say the best things come in small packages, but tall people are winning all the way here.
Be as gentle as you can and hopefully you wont knock too many fruits off. A few laterals may get broken but don’t worry too much, consider it a start to summer pruning.
Secure it
Most birds get in at ground level. To prevent this, and to stop the wind blowing the net about, lay planks along the bottom edge. I keep a stash of planks in the orchard precisely for this time of year.
Another option is to gather the net around the trunk and wrapping a bungy around it.
Have a final check for holes or gaps.
Drop by every other day to ensure no birds are tangled within. This wont happen if you’ve left no gaps. Eventually you get really pro at it – big nets really are the key. Far better to use one big one than have to join a few together.