How to protect fruit trees from birds?

Small fruits and low-growing trees

The ideal is to install a protective net when the fruits just start to blush. Choose nets with small mesh.

Completely cover the fruit trees (currant bushes, blackcurrant bushes, low-stem cherry trees…) and secure the nets to the ground to prevent birds from getting inside.

For strawberry plants, install hoops and place the net over them, securing it with pegs. This way, you can easily harvest the strawberries by lifting only part of the net.

If installed correctly, these nets are effective for small fruits and low-stem trees. Remember to monitor the nets and free any adventurous birds that may get caught in them.

Large fruit trees

Protecting larger fruit trees, such as cherry trees, is more challenging. There is no miracle remedy, and many gardeners regularly experiment with new ideas, with varying degrees of success.

The traditional scarecrow, sometimes with an original and amusing appearance, is no longer in vogue. Birds quickly become accustomed to its presence and even end up perching on it.

To prevent theft, install various elements in the tree, playing on movement, reflections, and noise. Change their positions regularly to enhance their effectiveness and remove them immediately after the harvest.

For example, hang dazzling hanging protections in the tree, old CDs (joined two by two, reflective side facing out) or folded aluminium foil strips in an accordion shape. You can also obtain predator-eye balloons, predator silhouettes, or scaring ribbons (stretched strips that emit sound vibrations).

Combine and try several methods to optimise your chances of keeping the birds away and finally enjoy your harvests fully.