What are the best ways to protect fruit trees from pesky critters?

Introduction

There’s nothing more frustrating than nurturing a fruit tree all season, only to find your hard-earned fruit disappearing thanks to squirrels, birds, and other critters. Protecting your fruit trees doesn’t have to be a losing battle. Here are some effective strategies to help keep your harvest safe, from fruit cages to natural deterrents.

Table of Content

• Installing a fruit cage
• How to use a fruit cage
• Use netting as an alternative
• Try natural deterrents

Install a Fruit Cage: A Barrier That Works

Fruit cages are one of the most effective ways to protect your trees from persistent pests like squirrels and birds. Built to form a protective barrier around the tree, these cages prevent animals from accessing the branches and fruit without harming them. Look for a cage that’s made from durable, weather-resistant materials and features a fine enough mesh to keep even the smallest birds out.

How to Use a Fruit Cage

• Choose the Right Size: Select a cage large enough to allow for tree growth while still covering the entire canopy.
• Secure the Base: Animals like squirrels are clever climbers, so ensure the base is secured firmly to the ground to prevent any gaps.
• Easy Access for Harvesting: Many fruit cages come with zippered doors or openings, allowing easy access to the tree for pruning and picking.

Use Netting as an Alternative

If a full cage isn’t feasible, netting can offer protection against some pests. Netting is relatively easy to install and can be draped over the tree’s canopy to act as a deterrent. Be sure to use netting that’s designed for garden use, with small enough holes to keep critters out without trapping them.

• Installation Tips: Secure the netting tightly around the trunk and anchor it to the ground to prevent squirrels from slipping underneath.
• Check Regularly: Periodically check the netting for any holes or areas where animals may have gained access. Squirrels are known for their persistence!

Try Natural Deterrents

Natural deterrents can be a good supplemental method to keep animals away from your fruit trees. There are a variety of scent-based repellents that may discourage critters from approaching. Options include:

• Spray Repellents: Look for non-toxic, eco-friendly sprays designed for garden use. These products often use natural ingredients like pepper or garlic, which animals find unappealing.
• Homemade Solutions: Some gardeners swear by sprinkling cayenne pepper or placing mothballs around the base of the tree. Just be sure any homemade repellents are safe for pets and won’t harm your plants.

Keep in mind that natural deterrents may need to be reapplied after rain or heavy watering.

Use Tree Guards to Protect the Trunk

Squirrels and other critters often reach the fruit by climbing the tree trunk. Installing a tree guard can prevent them from getting a good grip and deter them from climbing. Tree guards are typically made of metal or plastic and can be wrapped around the trunk.

• Choosing a Guard: Opt for a guard that’s wide enough to fit around the trunk without constricting it as the tree grows. 
• Height Matters: Place the guard high enough up the trunk so that animals can’t simply jump over it. 

Provide Alternative Food Sources

Sometimes, deterring critters is as simple as giving them something else to munch on. Consider setting up a separate feeder for squirrels or birds at a distance from your fruit trees. This strategy can help distract them, especially if you refill it regularly with seeds or nuts they find tempting.

• Placement: Position the feeder away from the fruit trees to create a more appealing alternative.
• Monitor Results: While this won’t guarantee they’ll ignore your trees entirely, it can reduce the frequency of visits.

Conclusion

By combining these strategies, you can protect your fruit trees from critters and ensure that your hard work pays off with a healthy, untouched harvest. For an added layer of defense, investing in a fruit cage offers a reliable, long-term solution.

With a bit of planning and the right protective measures, you can enjoy a plentiful harvest without the frustration of losing fruit to wildlife.