Best Bird Netting for Fruit Trees: Mesh, Size and Fitting Advice

Good bird netting for fruit trees is fine enough mesh to keep birds from squeezing through, strong enough to survive a season of wind, and fitted so birds cannot get underneath. Most failures come from loose edges and the wrong mesh size, not from the net material itself.

Why netting often fails

Birds are persistent. They will walk under a hem, slip through an oversized hole, or get tangled in slack netting. A tangled bird is both distressing and a sign the net was installed badly. Before shopping, accept that the net is only half the job; the other half is how you hang and secure it. A cheap net hung well will outperform an expensive net draped loosely over a branch.

Mesh size and thread type

Mesh size is the single most important choice. Small birds such as finches can pass through wide openings, while larger birds struggle to. Manufacturers usually list the mesh opening in millimeters or inches. As a rule of thumb, smaller openings protect against more species but make the net heavier, slower to dry and more prone to catching snow and leaves. Many gardeners choose a mid-range opening for general fruit protection and tighten up only when smaller birds are the problem.

Thread style also matters. Knitted or extruded plastic mesh holds its shape and is less likely to ravel when cut. Woven netting with very thin thread can tangle wildlife and tends to degrade faster in sun. Look for UV-stabilized material if the net will stay up through summer.

Measuring your tree and choosing the size

Measure the height and the widest spread of your tree, then add extra length so the net can reach the ground and be secured. A good rule is to allow enough excess to gather and fasten at the trunk. Nets sold in fixed dimensions are fine for dwarf trees, but large standard trees may need two nets joined together or a cage built from poles. If you need to buy multiple sizes, a generic bird netting for fruit trees search will give a range of lengths so you can compare dimensions side by side.

Supporting the net so it stays off the fruit

Netting that rests directly on fruit lets birds peck through it. Create a gap by using poles, a frame or a hoop structure. For small trees, tall bamboo canes with plastic caps over the tips can keep the net from snagging. For larger specimens, build a light timber or pipe frame and drape the net over the top. Tying the lower edge to the trunk, or weighting it with stakes, closes the gap birds love to use.

• Cap pole tops so they do not tear the net.
• Pull the net evenly rather than leaving loose folds.
• Secure the bottom edge with clips, pegs or a drawstring.
• Inspect daily for trapped birds and release them gently.

Plastic garden net clips are a cheap way to join panels or close gaps without knots.

Timing and wildlife safety

Put the net on as the fruit begins to color, not weeks early, which lets pollinating insects reach the blossoms. Remove it when harvest ends so birds that eat pests can return. Keep mesh tight and visible; thin, slack nets pose a risk to birds, hedgehogs and other wildlife. If you see a bird caught, free it carefully with scissors, and adjust the net to prevent it happening again.

Care and storage

Shake off leaves, hose gently if dirty, and let the net dry fully before folding. Store in a cool, dark place to slow UV damage. Fold or roll rather than balling it, because tangled nets are a headache next year. Replace nets that have lost elasticity or developed holes larger than the mesh opening.

It also helps to think about which birds you are dealing with. Blackbirds and starlings go after soft fruit such as cherries and plums, while smaller birds may peck at apples and pears that are already damaged. If your problem is mostly one species, you may be able to use a looser, more affordable net or add visual deterrents such as reflective tape. Many growers combine approaches: a net on the most vulnerable branches, plus scare devices that are moved regularly so birds do not get used to them.

Finally, plan for wind and weight. A full net on a large tree acts like a sail and can pull branches or collapse a flimsy frame. Anchor the frame firmly, keep the net snug, and check it after storms. If snow is likely, take the net down earlier rather than risk damage to both the tree and the netting.

Frequently asked questions

Can netting harm fruit tree pollination?

If installed during bloom, it can reduce visits from bees. Wait until petals have dropped and fruit is forming before covering the tree.

What is the best way to keep birds from getting under the net?

Close the bottom edge tightly with pegs, ties or a drawstring around the trunk. Birds usually enter through the lowest gap rather than the mesh.

Is cheaper netting worth it?

For a single short season on a small tree, yes. For repeated use or large trees, a more durable knitted mesh generally lasts longer and tangles wildlife less often.