Effective ways to protect cherry trees from birds

Cherries

Growing cherries in your garden can be challenging. This delicate crop is heat-loving and requires proper care. Even if a harvest is achieved, it must be protected from birds. The birds readily eat the sweet fruits, ruining all efforts. No protection method guarantees a 100% result, but failure to take action will certainly result in the loss of all the fruit.

Who eats cherries?

Cherry trees attract many species of birds with their fruit. Blackbirds, starlings, sparrows, and jays are the most common birds that flock to feed on them. Crows also enjoy the sweet treat. If left untreated, cherry and sour cherry trees quickly become fruitless. But the damage from the attacks doesn't stop there; they also damage the trees themselves. By landing on young branches, the birds cause damage. The following season, they will no longer produce fruit after such an invasion.

If berries remain on the tree, the damage they sustain can cause them to become a breeding ground for bacteria. To protect the orchard, only humane repellents are used; destruction is not recommended. After all, birds actively collect insects from orchards in the spring, protecting the plantings from pests.

Important!

Over time, birds get used to one method of scaring away and stop being afraid of it, so they change the methods.

Protection from sparrows and starlings

Sparrows are repelled by an old fur hat attached to the top of a tree. These small birds are most afraid of cats, and the hat looks like a curled-up cat. Gardeners have long noticed this trick, and some still use it.

Protecting cherry trees from starlings is a bit more difficult. Starlings fly in large flocks. These birds feel more confident among their own kind than alone. However, even an entire flock can be distracted from the berries by hanging bright, shiny objects on the cherry trees. The birds will pay attention to the objects and not notice the berries. Ideally, the objects will sway in the wind. If they are motionless and windless, the trinkets will not be as effective a distraction.

Manufacturing of fencing

Young starlings are repelled using more complex methods, as they are the most voracious. They are stopped on their way to ripe cherries by a real obstacle. For this purpose, a fence is erected. The process consists of several stages:

Prepare the material: 6 wooden poles and a fine-mesh synthetic net. Replace the poles with plastic pipes—the most convenient option.
For an adult tree, the length of the poles is 4-5 m, the length of the net is 10 m, the width of the net is about 4 m.
Using wire or rope, the net is secured to the pole in three places: at the top, in the middle, and at the bottom.
The cord is passed along the top of the net, which will allow it to be tightened after the structure is installed.
To install the fence, two people are involved; they place it at a slight angle to the tree.
The side poles are tied with rope, and a net is pulled together over the top of the tree.

Rustling and shiny objects

These simple methods are quite effective. Rustling noises are created by using objects no longer in use. A common method is to use tapes from tape recorders that may have been saved. If you don't have tapes, regular plastic bags from the store are convenient. They are hung on trees, secured to prevent them from flying away. The main requirement is the rustling sound these devices make in the wind. Birds will be wary of this and will not land on the cherry trees.

One well-known method is to use shiny objects. They reflect sunlight, creating a glare that deters thieves. Old computer disks, pieces of foil, holiday tinsel, and other similar items are often used to protect the garden. The highest concentration of shiny objects should be on the upper branches.

Important!

Scientists have proven that birds are frightened by the color white.

Ultrasonic repellers

Modern technologies are constantly evolving. They are used when urgently needing to save a garden from winged invaders. Special devices that produce ultrasound are commercially available. While these signals are inaudible to humans, they instill fear in birds, causing them to avoid the garden.

These devices are safe and do not harm plants or people. Some models feature flashing lights that activate when birds approach trees. They are inexpensive. However, more sophisticated electronics are expensive, so purchasing them for a small garden isn't always justified.

How do gas guns work?

Gas cannons are an unconventional solution to this problem. They provide reliable protection for cherry crops. A device resembling a small cannon is installed on the ground. Inside, it contains a propane tank. At set intervals, the cannon fires a blast, sounding like a gunshot or a loud bang.

A 5-liter cylinder is designed for 5,000 such shots. Upon hearing them, winged thieves won't dare fly even close to the garden. However, there's a danger that the constant popping sounds not only protect the plantings but also disturb the neighboring gardeners.

Installing a scarecrow in the garden

Making a scarecrow is the oldest method of protecting plantings. A figure is made that resembles a human from a distance. Sometimes they are shaped like hawks and other predators; these scarecrows are sold in some stores today or can be ordered online. In any case, birds will be wary of flying too close. Almost any old object can be used to make a scarecrow.

The frame is usually made from pieces of wood, nailed together to form a body with arms and legs. An old bucket or saucepan is often used as the head. The scarecrow is dressed in any worn clothing, depending on the gardener's imagination. The main thing is that such a structure will last for years. A scarecrow can also be made from a hot air balloon, suspended from the upper branches. This scarecrow will swing even in calm weather, protecting the berries from birds. Cut onions hung from the branches also act as a deterrent.

Infusions of garlic and red pepper

Since birds are attracted to cherries for their sweet taste, you can make them dislike them completely. Treating the cherries with pepper, garlic, and other infusions can help. They have an unpleasant aroma and a bitter taste. The liquid is poured into a sprayer and applied evenly to all the trees. The main drawback of this method is that it requires repeating the spraying every time it rains, which is inconvenient. The treatment should be carried out in dry weather.

When applying the solution, treat the tree tops, as these are where birds most often perch. Natural infusions are beneficial because they don't harm the plant and are completely safe for humans. They are also effective in protecting cherry trees from birds. These infusions also repel ants and other harmful insects.

Important!

Natural bird repellent gels are sold with a harmless composition and are effective due to their pungent aroma.

Covering young trees

When the trees haven't yet reached their full height but are already bearing fruit abundantly, they are covered. Creating a physical barrier can help save the orchard. The main rule here is to ensure the cherry trees receive sufficient light. If the trees don't have enough sun, they will become diseased and wither, and the fruit will stop ripening.