If you’re tired of birds eating your fruit or making a mess in your garden, learning how to put up bird netting is the best solution. This simple step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process, from choosing the right net to securing it properly, so you can protect your harvest without harming wildlife.
Bird netting is a safe and effective barrier. It keeps birds away from your berries, fruit trees, and vegetable patches. When installed correctly, it’s nearly invisible and doesn’t interfere with plant growth. The key is to do it right the first time, so you don’t end up with tangled mess or trapped animals. Let’s get started with what you’ll need.
What You’ll Need: Tools and Materials
Gathering your supplies before you start makes the job go smoothly. You won’t need any speciality tools, just a few basics.
- Bird Netting: Choose a UV-stabilized polyethylene net with the right mesh size (typically 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch) to keep small birds out.
- Support Structure: This can be bamboo canes, PVC pipes, wooden posts, or existing fence lines.
- Zip Ties or Garden Twine: For attaching the net to your support frame.
- Scissors or Wire Cutters: For cutting the netting to size.
- Gloves: To protect your hands from scratches and snags.
- Staples or U-Pins (optional): Useful for securing netting to wooden frames or into the ground.
- Poles or a Step Ladder: For reaching higher areas like fruit trees.
How To Put Up Bird Netting
This is the core section of our guide. Follow these steps in order for the best results. Taking your time during setup saves a lot of frustration later on.
Step 1: Measure and Plan Your Area
First, measure the space you need to cover. For a garden bed, calculate the length and width. For a fruit tree, estimate the canopy’s spread and height. Always add at least 10-15% extra to your netting dimensions. This allows for draping and securing without pulling it too tight.
Plan where your support posts will go. They should be placed close enough that the netting won’t sag heavily in the middle, which can trap birds or damage plants. Sketching a quick diagram can be really helpful here, especially for irregular shapes.
Step 2: Install Your Support Structure
Set your posts or canes firmly into the ground around the perimeter of your area. For a rectangular bed, one post at each corner is a minimum; adding posts along the sides is better. For trees, you might create a cage around the tree rather than draping directly on the branches.
If your using a temporary structure like PVC, you can create hoops over a bed for a tunnel effect. Connect your posts at the top with a horizontal support if needed, to create a frame. This keeps the netting elevated off the plants.
Step 3: Drape the Netting Over the Frame
Unroll your netting carefully. With a helper if possible, lay it over your entire support structure. Let it hang loosely down the sides. Avoid pulling it taut at this stage. The goal is to have plenty of excess netting reaching the ground on all sides.
For trees, gently throw the net over the top of the canopy. Use a broom or a pole to help lift it if the tree is tall. Again, ensure it drapes loosely around the entire tree. Never wrap netting tightly around branches, as birds can still peck through it and it can damage new growth.
Pro Tip: The Drape Method vs. The Cage Method
For individual plants or small shrubs, the drape method (simply laying net over the top) is often sufficient if you secure the edges well. For larger trees or valuable crops, building a permanent cage structure with a frame is worth the extra effort. It allows for easier access and is more reliable in wind.
Step 4: Secure the Netting to the Supports
Start at one corner and use zip ties or twine to attach the netting to your posts. Work your way around, attaching it every 6-12 inches. Don’t pull the netting tight against the posts; keep a slight bit of slack. This prevents wind from putting too much stress on a single point and tearing it.
If your frame has horizontal bars, secure the netting along those too. The idea is to create a fully supported “ceiling” that won’t collapse onto your plants after a rain.
Step 5: Secure the Bottom Edges Thoroughly
This is the most critical step to prevent birds from getting in from below and to stop small animals from becoming trapped. Gather the excess netting at the base of your structure.
- For Garden Beds: Bury the edges under a few inches of soil, or weigh them down with heavy stones, lumber, or landscape staples (U-pins). Ensure there are no gaps larger than an inch.
- For Trees: Use twine to loosely gather the netting around the trunk. Don’t cinch it tight against the bark. You can also stake the bottom edges out into a circle around the tree’s drip line and weigh them down.
Always leave a little slack at the bottom. A taut netting at ground level is easier for pests to push under.
Step 6: Perform a Final Safety Check
Before you walk away, inspect your entire installation. Look for any gaps, holes, or loose areas. Gently shake the structure to simulate wind. Make sure no netting is sagging enough to touch your plants, as birds will peck right through it.
Most importantly, check for any birds that might have gotten inside during the installation. Gently encourage them out before sealing the final edge. A thorough check now prevents problems later.
Maintenance and Removal
Bird netting isn’t a “set it and forget it” solution. Check it weekly for damage or sagging. After a heavy storm, make sure it’s still secure. Remove fallen leaves from on top of the net, as they add weight and moisture.
At the end of the season, remove the netting carefully. Clean it with water, let it dry completely, and store it in a cool, dry place out of sunlight. Proper storage will extend it’s life for many seasons.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Netting Too Tight: This creates tension points that tear easily and allows birds to reach fruit pressed against it.
- Leaving Gaps at the Bottom: This renders the entire installation useless. Birds are smart and will find their way in.
- Using the Wrong Mesh Size: Large mesh might let small birds like sparrows through. Always match the mesh to the birds in your area.
- Draping Directly on Plants: This damages plants and lets birds feast right through the net. Always use a support frame.
- Ignoring Wind: Secure netting tightly at the base, but allow some flex in the structure itself to prevent wind damage.
FAQ: Your Bird Netting Questions Answered
What is the best way to put bird netting over a tall fruit tree?
For tall trees, the cage method is best. Create a frame of poles around the tree, taller than the canopy. Drape the netting over this frame and secure the bottom, creating a free-standing enclosure. Avoid throwing net directly over tall trees without a frame, as it’s hard to secure and can harm branches.
How do I stop birds from getting tangled in the net?
Proper installation is key. A taut, well-supported net with no loose flaps or gaps is less likely to entangle birds. Never leave discarded netting lying around. If you find a bird caught, carefully cut the netting around it to free it, wearing gloves for protection.
Can I reuse bird netting each year?
Absolutely. High-quality, UV-stabilized netting can last for several years. The key is gentle removal, a good clean, and proper storage. Keep it away from rodents and direct sunlight during the off-season.
When should I install the netting?
Install it just before the fruit starts to ripen and change color. This is when birds first begin to notice it. Putting it up too early is unnecessary, but waiting to long means you’ll already have lost some of your crop.
Is bird netting harmful to other wildlife?
If installed incorrectly, loose netting can pose a risk to small animals like hedgehogs or snakes. A secure, taut installation that is checked regularly minimizes this risk. Always ensure the bottom edge is either buried, weighted, or tightly secured to the ground with no loose pockets.
Installing bird netting might seem like a chore, but it’s a rewarding one. The sight of your fully ripened, undamaged fruit makes the effort worthwhile. By following this simple step-by-step guide, you’ve created a effective barrier that protects your garden humanely. Remember, the secret lies in the planning, a sturdy frame, and most importantly, sealing the bottom edges completely. With your netting in place, you can look forward to enjoying the fruits of your labor—literally.