How to Protect Fruit Trees from Birds Before Your Fruit Ripens

Your fruit tree has flowered beautifully, the crop is developing and everything looks on track for a good harvest.

Then the fruit begins to colour.

Suddenly apples have peck marks, berries disappear overnight and peaches that were almost ready to pick are damaged before you get to enjoy them.

Birds are part of the normal New Zealand garden environment, and many native species play important roles in our ecosystems. But when you are growing fruit for your household, it is reasonable to protect the crop in a way that does not harm wildlife.

The best time to do that is before the fruit is fully ripe.

Once birds discover that a tree provides an easy, reliable food source, they may return repeatedly.

In this guide, Pestrol explains when to begin protecting fruit, how to use bird netting correctly and how reflective and electronic bird deterrents can form part of a wider fruit-tree protection plan.

Why Wait Until the Fruit Is Nearly Ripe?

You shouldn’t.

Fruit does not necessarily need to be fully ripe before birds become interested.

As fruit begins:

• Increasing in size
• Softening
• Changing colour
• Becoming sweeter

it can become more attractive.

Tui’s New Zealand growing guidance recommends putting netting over berry crops once they begin fruiting and notes that peaches may need netting as the fruit ripens.

For home gardeners, that means the sensible approach is to have your protection ready before you notice serious feeding damage.

Which Fruit Is Most Likely to Need Protection?

Bird pressure varies between properties, but crops commonly targeted can include:

• Cherries
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Blackberries
• Boysenberries
• Grapes
• Apples
• Pears
• Peaches
• Plums
• Nectarines
• Feijoas

Some properties experience almost no bird damage until one particular fruit starts colouring.

Others have ongoing pressure from birds moving between berries, fruit trees and neighbouring gardens.

Start Watching Before the Fruit Changes Colour

Do not wait for damaged fruit to tell you there is a problem.

As the crop develops, watch the tree during the day.

Look for:

• Birds landing repeatedly in the canopy
• Birds inspecting developing fruit
• Peck marks
• Partially eaten fruit
• Fruit being knocked to the ground
• Birds gathering on nearby fences waiting to enter the tree

If this begins happening, your fruit protection should already be going into place.

Bird Netting: The Most Direct Way to Protect Fruit

Netting works differently from a scare device.

Instead of trying to convince a bird to leave, correctly installed netting creates a physical barrier between the bird and the crop.

This makes it particularly useful for:

• Individual backyard fruit trees
• Berry rows
• Grapevines
• Vegetable gardens
• Small orchards
• Larger horticultural areas

The key words are correctly installed.

Don’t Loosely Throw Netting Over a Tree

Loose netting may look like the quickest solution, but poorly installed net can create problems.

Birds and other wildlife may become tangled where netting hangs loosely against branches or has unsecured edges.

For better safety and effectiveness:

• Support the netting on a frame where practical
• Keep it reasonably tensioned
• Secure the edges
• Close obvious gaps
• Avoid large loose folds
• Inspect the net regularly
• Repair damage promptly

SPCA New Zealand similarly advises using good-quality bird netting and hanging it properly to minimise the risk of capturing birds.

Build a Frame Around the Tree Where Possible

For an individual tree, a simple support structure can keep the netting away from fruit and branches.

Depending on the tree size, gardeners may use:

• Poles
• Garden stakes
• Hoops
• Timber framing
• A permanent orchard support system

The idea is to create a protected enclosure rather than allowing the net to sit directly across the canopy.

Secure the Bottom Edge

A net with a large open gap at ground level does not provide complete exclusion.

Birds can sometimes walk or fly underneath.

Secure the lower perimeter while ensuring:

• The tree can still be maintained
• The installation does not damage the trunk
• You can access the crop for harvesting

For larger structures, a dedicated access opening or zip can make maintenance much easier.

Which Pestrol Bird Netting Is Best for Fruit Trees?

Pestrol currently carries several netting grades suited to different types of fruit protection.

Pestrol Wildlife Safe Bird Netting 40GSM

Pestrol Wildlife Safe Bird Netting 40GSM uses a fine 5mm x 5mm mesh and UV-stabilised knotless polyethylene.

It is designed for uses including:

• Backyard fruit trees
• Orchards
• Vineyards
• Vegetable gardens

Current sizes include:

• 5m x 5m
• 10m x 10m
• 15m x 20m

It is available in black or white.

Pestrol Diamond Bird Netting 30GSM

Pestrol Diamond Bird Netting 30GSM is a lighter fruit-tree netting option with approximately 17mm x 17mm mesh.

It is commonly used around:

• Individual fruit trees
• Orchards
• Vineyards
• Vegetable patches

The 5m x 5m size can suit individual trees, while larger 10m x 10m and 25m x 25m sizes are available for larger growing areas.

Pestrol Heavy Duty Bird Netting 68GSM

For a more permanent orchard-style installation, Pestrol Heavy Duty Bird Netting 68GSM provides a heavier professional-grade option.

It uses:

• UV-stabilised HDPE
• Approximately 1mm twine
• 19mm mesh

This range is particularly well suited to supported exclusion structures around fruit trees, berry crops and orchard areas.

30GSM vs 40GSM vs 68GSM

Netting	Mesh	Good Fit For
Diamond 30GSM	Approx. 17mm	Lightweight seasonal backyard fruit-tree protection
Wildlife Safe 40GSM	5mm	Fine-mesh gardens, fruit trees and crop protection
Heavy Duty 68GSM	19mm	Supported, longer-term orchard and horticultural installations

The right choice depends on your tree size, how permanent the installation will be and how large an area you need to cover.

Measure Before Ordering Netting

Don’t estimate by looking at the tree from the kitchen window.

Measure:

• The height
• The canopy width
• The depth of the canopy
• The additional material required to reach and secure the edges

If you are building a frame, measure the frame dimensions instead of the foliage itself.

A little extra netting is generally easier to manage than discovering the sheet does not reach the ground.

Protect Berries Too

Fruit-tree protection principles also apply to berry crops.

Birds can quickly remove:

• Blueberries
• Strawberries
• Raspberries
• Boysenberries
• Currants

A supported cage or frame can be particularly useful because it keeps netting away from the berries while allowing access for picking.

Bird Scare Tape as an Extra Layer

Not every gardener wants to net an entire tree.

Reflective deterrents can provide another option, particularly before birds have established a strong feeding habit.

Pestrol Bird Scare Tape uses reflective holographic material that flashes and moves in the breeze.

It can be used around:

• Fruit trees
• Berry rows
• Grapevines
• Vegetable beds

Install strips where they can move freely and reflect light.

Do not wrap tape so tightly around branches that it damages the tree.

Is Reflective Tape as Reliable as Netting?

No physical barrier means birds can still access the crop.

Visual deterrents may reduce activity, but results can vary and birds may become less responsive if a deterrent remains unchanged for long periods.

For high-value crops where you cannot afford losses, netting provides much more direct exclusion.

Reflective tape is better viewed as:

• An early deterrent
• A supplementary method
• An option for locations where full netting is impractical

What About Electronic Bird Repellers?

Electronic deterrents can also be used around fruit-growing areas.

The Pestrol Elite Solar Animal & Bird Repeller combines:

• Motion detection
• Audible bird sounds
• Ultrasonic frequencies
• LED strobe lighting
• Solar power

For bird control, Pestrol currently recommends using the appropriate audible bird deterrent or distress sound as the primary setting rather than relying on high-frequency ultrasound alone.

Position the PIR sensor towards the area where birds normally:

• Land
• Approach the crop
• Walk
• Feed

The unit detects movement up to approximately 10 metres away.

For Broader Garden Coverage

The Pestrol 360 Elite Solar Animal & Bird Repeller provides motion detection on three outward-facing sides.

For bird problems, Pestrol currently recommends using its predatory bird sound setting.

This can be useful around:

• Gardens
• Fruit trees
• Vegetable plots
• Orchards
• Open backyard growing areas

Netting or Repeller?

Method	Main Advantage	Main Limitation
Bird netting	Physically prevents access	Requires correct installation
Reflective tape	Simple and inexpensive visual disturbance	Does not physically block birds
Electronic repeller	Covers an open area without enclosing it	Response varies with bird behaviour and placement

For ripening fruit, physical netting is generally the strongest starting point.

Repellers can then be added around larger areas or locations that are difficult to enclose.

Don’t Wait Until Birds Have Eaten Half the Crop

Deterrence is easier before a fruit tree becomes a proven feeding location.

If birds have already been feeding in the tree every morning for two weeks, they have a strong reason to keep checking it.

Prepare your protection while fruit is still developing.

Pick Ripe Fruit Promptly

Do not leave ripe fruit hanging unnecessarily once it is ready to harvest.

Picking regularly:

• Reduces the amount of attractive ripe fruit available
• Prevents overripe fruit from falling
• Reduces wastage

Check the crop frequently as harvest approaches.

Remove Fallen and Damaged Fruit

Fruit on the ground may continue attracting birds as well as insects, rodents and other pests.

Collect:

• Fallen fruit
• Badly pecked fruit
• Rotting fruit

This also improves orchard hygiene.

Prune Trees to a Manageable Size

Fruit-tree size has a big impact on how easy it is to protect the crop.

A very large tree can be difficult to:

• Net
• Inspect
• Harvest
• Maintain

Appropriate pruning for the particular fruit species can help keep trees manageable.

Follow pruning guidance for the fruit tree you are growing rather than aggressively cutting it simply to fit a net.

Check Netting Regularly

Once the crop is covered, do not forget about it.

Inspect:

• The edges
• Fixing points
• Any tears
• Loose areas
• Places where branches have pushed against the net

Also check that no wildlife has become trapped.

A physical barrier needs maintenance to remain both effective and safe.

Don’t Forget Pollination

Timing matters when covering flowering fruit trees.

Many fruit crops rely on insects or other animals for pollination.

Do not completely exclude pollinators while flowers still require access unless your crop and growing system are designed for that.

For most backyard fruit protection, full exclusion becomes more relevant after flowering and fruit set, as the crop develops towards ripening.

Common Fruit-Tree Bird Protection Mistakes

Waiting Until the Fruit Is Already Being Eaten

Have your protection ready before serious feeding begins.

Throwing Loose Netting Over the Tree

Use a supported, tensioned installation where practical to reduce wildlife entanglement.

Leaving Gaps at the Bottom

Birds may find their way underneath.

Using One Static Scare Device for Months

Visual deterrents can become less disruptive if they never change.

Relying on Ultrasound Alone for Birds

Pestrol recommends audible bird sounds as the main bird setting on its Elite repellers.

Forgetting About Fallen Fruit

Remove ripe and damaged fruit from the ground.

Netting the Tree While It Still Needs Pollination

Protect the developing crop without unnecessarily excluding pollinators during flowering.

Never Checking the Net After Installation

Inspect for tears, loose areas and trapped wildlife.

Pre-Ripening Fruit Protection Checklist

• Identify which trees are carrying fruit
• Watch for early bird activity
• Measure the trees or support frame
• Choose appropriate netting
• Install protection before serious feeding starts
• Wait until pollination requirements have been met
• Support and tension netting properly
• Secure the lower edges
• Check for access gaps
• Add reflective deterrents if useful
• Position electronic repellers towards approach routes
• Pick ripe fruit regularly
• Remove fallen and damaged fruit
• Inspect netting frequently
• Repair tears quickly
• Remove or store seasonal netting appropriately after harvest

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I put bird netting over fruit trees?

Install protection before birds begin causing significant feeding damage. For many backyard crops, this means after flowering and fruit set as the fruit develops towards ripening.

What is the best way to stop birds eating fruit?

Properly installed bird netting provides the most direct protection because it physically prevents birds reaching the crop. Reflective and electronic deterrents can provide additional protection but do not form a complete barrier.

Can I throw bird netting directly over a fruit tree?

It is safer and more effective to support and tension the netting rather than leaving it loosely draped over branches. Loose netting can increase the risk of wildlife becoming entangled.

What size bird netting should I use?

Measure the width, height and depth of the protected tree or frame, then allow enough material to reach and secure all edges. Pestrol offers netting from 5m x 5m through to much larger orchard sizes.

What is the difference between Pestrol’s 30GSM, 40GSM and 68GSM bird netting?

The 30GSM Diamond Netting is a lighter fruit-tree option with approximately 17mm mesh. Wildlife Safe 40GSM uses a finer 5mm mesh. Heavy Duty 68GSM uses approximately 1mm twine and 19mm mesh for more permanent supported installations.

Does reflective bird tape work?

Reflective tape can help disturb birds through movement and flashes of reflected light, but it does not physically stop them reaching fruit. It is best used as a supporting deterrent rather than relied upon as the sole method for valuable crops.

Do ultrasonic bird repellers work on fruit trees?

Pestrol recommends using audible bird or predator sound settings as the main deterrent on its Elite bird repellers because birds generally respond better to audible frequencies than to high ultrasonic frequencies alone.

Can I net fruit trees while they are flowering?

Be careful not to block pollinators while flowering trees still require pollination. For backyard crops, complete bird exclusion is usually most useful after flowering and fruit set.

Do I need to remove fallen fruit?

Yes. Fallen and damaged fruit can continue attracting birds and other pests. Regular collection also improves orchard hygiene.

Is bird netting safe for wildlife?

Bird netting should be high quality, correctly supported, tensioned and regularly maintained. Loose or damaged netting can present an entanglement risk, so inspect installations routinely.

Protect the Crop Before Birds Discover It

The best time to think about bird protection is not the morning you discover half your cherries are gone.

Start earlier.

Watch your fruit as it develops and have your protection ready before the crop becomes an easy food source.

For direct exclusion, Pestrol’s Wildlife Safe Bird Netting 40GSM, Diamond Bird Netting 30GSM and Heavy Duty Bird Netting 68GSM provide options for everything from individual backyard trees to larger supported orchard structures.

Where full netting is impractical, Pestrol Bird Scare Tape can add reflective movement, while the Pestrol Elite Solar Animal & Bird Repeller provides motion-activated audible and visual deterrence for open garden areas.

No deterrent is a substitute for correctly installed netting when you need reliable physical exclusion.

Support it properly, secure the edges, inspect it regularly and keep wildlife safety in mind.

A small amount of preparation before ripening can mean the difference between watching the birds enjoy your fruit and actually getting to harvest it yourself.

Related Bird Control Guide

For help deciding between netting, spikes, general repellers and larger bird-control systems, read Pestrol’s Bird Spikes vs Netting vs Repellers vs Lasers: Which Bird-Control Method Is Right for You?.