How Do I Create A Garden With A Focus On Attracting Beneficial Bees?
Fruit trees are a wonderful addition to any garden, and when they're in season, they produce a bounty of delicious fruit that is perfect for snacking on, baking with, or making into jams and jellies. However, pests such as birds, squirrels, and other critters can quickly decimate a fruit tree's crop. That's where fruit tree netting comes in!
Netting is a simple and effective way to protect your fruit trees from pests. By covering the tree with a fine-mesh net, you can keep birds and insects from stealing your fruit. However, there are a few things to consider when using netting:
Choose the Right Netting
Not all netting is created equal. Look for a fine-mesh net that is specifically designed for fruit trees. This will keep out smaller pests like birds and insects while allowing your fruit to breathe and ripen properly. Avoid using larger mesh netting as it can still let in smaller pests, and it can also trap and injure larger animals or birds.
Proper Installation
It's important to install your netting properly to ensure that it works effectively. Begin by measuring the circumference of your tree trunk and the diameter of the tree's crown. Then, cut your netting to the proper size, leaving enough room for it to drape over the tree's crown and touch the ground. Once you have the netting in place, secure it to the ground using stakes or stones to keep it from blowing away in the wind.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Once your netting is installed, you'll need to periodically check it for any rips or tears. If you find any damage, repair it immediately to ensure that pests don't find their way in. You'll also need to remove the netting once you've harvested all of your fruit. Leaving it on too long can damage the tree and make it harder to prune and manage.
Consider other options
If you don't want to use netting, or if netting isn't a practical option for your garden, there are other ways to protect your fruit trees from pests. One option is to use scare tactics, such as hanging reflective objects or using a motion-activated sprinkler system. You can also try using natural pest deterrents, such as garlic or pepper spray, or attract beneficial insects to your garden by planting flowers and herbs that they are attracted to.
Conclusion
Fruit tree netting is a simple but effective way to protect your fruit trees from pests. By choosing the right netting, installing it properly, and maintaining it regularly, you can keep your trees healthy and productive. So if you're tired of losing your fruit to birds and insects, give netting a try!
