Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Netting on Fruit Trees

Protecting fruit trees from birds, insects, and other wildlife is crucial for ensuring a bountiful harvest. One of the most effective and environmentally friendly methods of safeguarding your fruit is by installing netting over the trees. Netting acts as a physical barrier, preventing pests from reaching the fruit while allowing sunlight, air, and water to pass through. This guide will walk you through the entire process of installing netting on fruit trees, ensuring maximum protection and minimal damage to your plants.

Why Use Netting on Fruit Trees?

Fruit trees are vulnerable to a variety of pests, including birds like starlings and crows, insects, and even small mammals. These pests can cause significant damage by eating or pecking at the fruit, often ruining an entire crop. Chemical pesticides are one option but come with environmental concerns and possible harm to beneficial insects.

Netting offers several advantages:

• Eco-friendly: No chemicals involved.
• Reusable: Durable nets can be used season after season.
• Effective: Keeps birds and larger pests away.
• Breathable: Allows sunlight and air circulation.
• Easy to install: With proper steps, netting can be installed quickly.

Materials Needed

Before beginning the installation process, gather all necessary materials:

• Fruit tree netting: Choose lightweight, UV-resistant netting with a mesh size small enough to keep out birds but large enough to allow airflow (typically 1/2 inch to 1 inch).
• Support poles or stakes (optional): For taller trees or if you want to create a frame.
• Ropes or twine: To secure the netting around the tree.
• Plastic clips or zip ties: For fastening netting edges.
• Garden scissors or pruning shears: To cut netting to size.
• Ladder: For reaching taller branches.
• Gloves: To protect your hands during installation.

Step 1: Prepare Your Fruit Tree

Start by pruning your tree if necessary. Remove any dead or broken branches, and thin out dense areas to improve air circulation. This not only helps with net installation but also promotes healthy fruit growth.

Clear the ground around the base of the tree from weeds or debris that might interfere with securing the net.

Step 2: Measure Your Tree and Cut Netting

Measure the height and width of your fruit tree. When measuring height, consider how tall the tree will grow during the growing season.

Cut a piece of netting that is large enough to cover the entire tree plus some extra at the bottom for securing it around the trunk or base. It’s better to have extra material than too little; you can always trim excess later.

Step 3: Decide on Your Netting Installation Method

There are two common ways to install netting on fruit trees:

A. Draping Over the Tree Directly

This is simplest for smaller trees without many low-hanging branches.

B. Creating a Frame Support

Recommended for larger trees or those with dense foliage. It involves erecting stakes around the tree to hold the net above branches, preventing it from resting directly on fruit which could cause damage or provide access points for pests.

Choose which method suits your situation before proceeding.

Step 4: Install Support Poles (Optional)

If using stakes or poles:

1. Place four stakes evenly spaced around your tree about 1-2 feet away from its outermost branches.
2. Make sure they are tall enough so that when the net is draped over them, it doesn’t touch the fruit.
3. Securely drive them into the ground so they can support weight without tipping over.

You can tie horizontal crossbars between stakes if desired for extra support.

Step 5: Drape the Netting Over Your Tree

Whether directly over branches or supported by poles:

1. Gently unfold the net.
2. Starting at one side, drape it over your tree ensuring full coverage from top to ground level.
3. Adjust so that no gaps remain where birds could sneak in.

If you are dealing with a multi-trunked tree or large spreading branches, try draping in sections rather than all at once for better handling.

Step 6: Secure the Net at Ground Level

Once draped properly:

• Gather excess net at base of trunk.
• Pull taut so there are no loose areas where pests might enter.
• Use ropes or twine to tie around trunk securely but avoid constricting growth.
• You can also bury edges slightly under soil or mulch to anchor them down.
• Use plastic clips or zip ties where needed along edges and openings.

Make sure any knots or fastenings are tight but easily removable for future access.

Step 7: Create Access Points for Maintenance

It’s important to be able to check on your trees during the season for watering, pest control (other than birds), harvesting, etc.

To facilitate this:

• Leave a small flap open on one side secured with clips or ties that can be quickly undone and redone.
• Alternatively, fold back a corner temporarily when needed.

Avoid completely enclosing your tree with permanent knots that require cutting each time.

Step 8: Inspect Net Regularly

After installation:

• Check weekly for any tears or gaps caused by wind or animals.
• Repair holes promptly using patches made from leftover net material tied securely.
• Ensure ties and fastenings remain tight as net may loosen over time.

Maintaining good condition maximizes protection throughout fruiting season until harvest.

Tips for Effective Net Installation

• Choose light-colored nets (white or green) which blend better into foliage and do not attract insects as much as dark colors.
• Avoid nets with very fine mesh if you have beneficial pollinators nearby; balance protection with pollination needs.
• If deer or larger animals are an issue in your area, combine netting with fencing or other deterrents since typical fruit nets may not stop these bigger critters.
• Consider installing nets early in spring before fruits begin ripening, this prevents early pest attraction.
• Remove nets promptly after harvest to allow natural cycles and avoid trapping wildlife inside accidentally.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using too coarse mesh – Birds can still penetrate wide openings causing damage.
2. Net resting on fruit branches – Nets touching fruits can bruise them; use supports if necessary.
3. Not securing bottom edges well – Gaps invite entry points for pests.
4. Ignoring other pests – Nets don’t repel insects like aphids; combine methods as needed.
5. Installing too late – Waiting until fruits are ripe makes it harder to deter already attracted birds.

Conclusion

Installing netting on fruit trees is an effective way to protect your valuable crops from bird damage while remaining environmentally friendly. By following these step-by-step instructions, from measuring your tree properly to draping and securing netting, you’ll increase your chances of harvesting delicious, unharmed fruits every season. With regular inspection and maintenance, your investment in quality netting will pay off year after year as you enjoy nature’s bounty undisturbed by unwanted guests. Happy gardening!