netting for small fruit trees

Small Fruit Tree Netting

By Melissa JacksonDecember 27, 2025

Netting small fruit trees is a practical and effective way to protect your precious crops from pests, birds, and harsh weather conditions. This simple yet crucial step can significantly enhance your harvest, ensuring a bountiful yield year after year. Let's delve into the world of fruit tree netting, exploring its benefits, types, installation, and maintenance.

Fruit tree netting is a versatile tool that serves multiple purposes. It shields your fruits from birds and other animals that might otherwise feast on your hard-earned produce. Moreover, it provides a barrier against insects and other pests, reducing the need for pesticides. Additionally, netting offers protection against hail and heavy rain, preventing damage to your fruits and ensuring a better harvest.

Types of Fruit Tree Netting

Understanding the different types of fruit tree netting is essential for choosing the right one for your needs.

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1. **Bird Netting**: This is the most common type, designed specifically to keep birds away from your fruits. It comes in various mesh sizes, with smaller holes suitable for smaller fruits like berries, and larger holes for bigger fruits like apples or pears.

Mesh Size

The size of the mesh is crucial as it determines what can pass through. For small fruits, a mesh size of 12mm or less is recommended, while for larger fruits, a mesh size of 19mm or more can be used.

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For instance, a 12mm mesh will keep out most birds and insects but may still allow some smaller pests. On the other hand, a 19mm mesh will keep out larger birds and pests but may allow smaller ones in.

Material

Fruit tree netting is typically made from polyethylene or polypropylene. Polyethylene is more durable and UV-resistant, making it a good choice for long-term use. However, it's more expensive. Polypropylene, on the other hand, is cheaper but less durable and may degrade faster under sunlight.

Another option is biodegradable netting, made from materials like polyester or poly-lactic acid. These are eco-friendly but may not last as long as their synthetic counterparts.

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Installing Fruit Tree Netting

Installing fruit tree netting is a straightforward process, but it's important to do it correctly to ensure maximum protection.

1. **Measure Your Tree**: Measure the height and width of your tree to determine the size of the netting you need. Remember to account for the growth of your tree in the future.

Timing

The best time to install netting is just before your fruits start to form. This ensures that the netting is in place before birds and pests become a problem.

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However, if you're installing netting to protect against hail or heavy rain, it's best to do so before the storm hits. Once the storm has passed, you can remove the netting to prevent damage to your fruits.

Installation Method

There are several methods for installing fruit tree netting. The most common is to use stakes or posts to secure the netting around the tree. Another method is to attach the netting to the tree's branches using ties or clips.

Some netting comes with a drawstring at the top, which can be used to gather the netting and secure it to the tree trunk. This method is particularly useful for smaller trees.

Maintaining Fruit Tree Netting

Proper maintenance of your fruit tree netting is crucial for ensuring its longevity and effectiveness.

1. **Cleaning**: Regularly clean your netting to remove any debris, bird droppings, or insects that may have accumulated. This can be done with a soft brush or a hose with a gentle spray setting.

Inspecting

Regularly inspect your netting for any signs of damage, such as tears or holes. Repair any damage as soon as possible to prevent pests or birds from entering.

Also, check that the netting is still securely attached to the tree. Over time, the netting may become loose, allowing birds or pests to get underneath.

Storing

When not in use, store your netting in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. This will help prolong its lifespan and prevent damage from weather or pests.

Moreover, it's a good idea to fold the netting neatly to prevent it from becoming tangled or damaged.

In conclusion, netting small fruit trees is a vital practice that can significantly enhance your harvest. By understanding the different types of netting, installing and maintaining it correctly, you can create a protective barrier that shields your fruits from various threats. So, why wait? Protect your fruit trees today and enjoy a bountiful harvest tomorrow!