While birds can add charm to your garden, deterring them from making permanent homes in your trees might be necessary. Birds often consume fruits like apples or oranges from trees. Certain bird species, such as magpies and sparrows, may also intimidate smaller birds and construct nests on branches. To discourage birds from your trees, you can employ deterrents such as shiny ribbons and moving objects. Additionally, installing barriers and pruning trees can deter birds from roosting on them.
Strategies to Deter Birds
Use Reflective CD-ROMs
Hang CD-ROMs from strings in the trees. Birds dislike reflective surfaces and will be frightened by the CD-ROMs, particularly when they reflect bright sunlight. Tie strings around the CD-ROMs and attach one to each tree branch, hanging them 2 to 4 inches (5.1 to 10.2 cm) below the branches. If you're deterring birds from fruit-bearing trees, harvest the fruit first before removing the CD-ROMs. You can reinstall them next year as the trees begin to bear fruit to continue keeping birds at bay. Alternatively, you can opt for pie plates as they are also reflective. Make holes in the pie plates and tie strings to them, then attach one pie plate per branch. Another option is to hang a piece of mylar tape and let it flutter in the wind.
Use Shiny Ribbons
Attach shiny ribbons to tree branches as a deterrent for birds. Choose ribbons made of shiny material in vibrant colors like red, yellow, or orange. Remember to replace the ribbons after bad weather to maintain their effectiveness.
Deploy Scary Balloons
Place shiny, scary balloons with menacing faces in the trees to trick birds into believing there are predators nearby. Move the balloons weekly to maintain the illusion of movement and threat.
Utilize Scarecrows and Decoys
Use Bird Sound Deterrents
Consider Installing Barriers
Use Plastic Netting
Deploy Chicken Wire
Utilize Reflective Tape
Prune Trees Effectively
Trim Overgrown Branches
Regularly Maintain Tree Shape
Consider Professional Tree Care