It won’t be long before the cherries on my cherry trees ripen, and you can bet the birds are counting down the days. Our Nanking cherries are often plagued with birds, and I’ve had numerous friends who sometimes miss entire crops because the birds get them first. There are a variety of options people can use to keep the winged pickers at bay depending on the size of your trees and the number of your feathered problem. 

The challenge is birds quickly learn what harms them, and what doesn’t, which determines the efficacy of your repellent. Unless you can completely enclose the tree or bush, you very well may have to use more than one to keep them from being accustomed to whatever deterrent you use. Some people even plant alternative crops, such as mulberries or serviceberries, in an attempt to pull the birds’ attention away from the cherries, as well as implementing the various deterrents. 

Besides choosing your method (or methods), timing is equally important for a successful cherry harvest. You want to dissuade the birds from visiting your cherry trees before the cherries are ripe. They will pick at them early, making them inedible. But, you don’t want to put your visual or sound repellents out too early. They could become comfortable with them and simply ignore your efforts in favor of the delicious cherries. You can install the solid netting whenever it best suits your schedule. 

Visual repellents

Birds quickly clue-in to anything they can see, which is why techniques such as using the scare-eye balloons (or some people just use shiny Mylar balloons), shiny foil plates, or flash tape can sometimes dissuade them from pestering the crop. Affix it as high into the tree as you safety can. This is where the balloons work well since they can float around the tree without you climbing. Keep in mind that the birds maybe become used to it once they learn that nothing hurts them so be ready to change up your game. 

Sound

Along the lines of the visual repellents, scaring the birds away using sound as long been employed to keep them out of cherry trees and cornfields. Propane guns that make a loud “boom” every few minutes are often found in larger operations. Although, these aren’t practical in a neighborhood setting. Plus, after a while the birds really do become used to it. I’ve seen them (at least in the cornfields) fly away when it goes off, just to return within moments. 

Netting

Netting works the best if you can support it somehow so it doesn’t touch the tree. This would allow the birds to reach the fruit. The black netting is the least obtrusive. Although, you can cover your tree with whatever will allow light to reach the leaves and fruit and keep out the birds. 

Spray

Beyond physical deterrents there are also repellent sprays and foggers you can use to keep the birds away. Methyl Anthranilate (which is derivative from Concord grapes) is an ingredient in some of them. It is reportedly non-toxic and can last up from 10-14 days before needing to be reapplied. From what I’m hearing, this is a promising potential solution, although I have yet to try it myself on the cherry trees. 

We are looking forward to a promising cherry harvest this year. Homemade jelly is one of the best ways to enjoy the taste of summer. It’s good to know there are a number of options to keep from sharing too much of your cherry trees.