Bird netting for Cherry Trees - Ask Extension
Hi,
I am managing a farm in Washington County. We have 8 Cherry Trees (sweet cherries) that the birds completely pick clean every year. We are cons...
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Bird netting for Cherry Trees #867478
Asked May 07, 2024, 6:10 PM EDT
Hi,
I am managing a farm in Washington County. We have 8 Cherry Trees (sweet cherries) that the birds completely pick clean every year. We are considering bird netting but also aware that birds can often get stuck and be killed in netting depending on the hole size.
Questions:
1. Do you have a recommended size or material for bird netting?
2. Do you know of alternative sizes that are still economically viable?
3. Any other recommendations on bird prevention.
Thanks so much for your consideration.
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
I recommend scanning this publication https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/documents/em9286.pdf - One non-traditional method suggested to OSU by some growers was the grape koolaid as a tool - We don't have data on that, but some growers recommend it. Total exclusion is really the only way to prevent depredation. You can do that by building frames (pvc or other) or poles with wires and rings and then tightly stretching standard bird netting (to minimize the risk of catching up birds).
Hi Dr. Dana,
Thanks so much for the information!