Squirrel-Proof Fruit Trees: How to Protect Your Harvest

As a fruit tree grower, you know how frustrating it is to have squirrels raid your harvest. With their sharp teeth and nimble paws, they can easily climb up the branches and snatch away your hard-earned fruits. But don't worry, there are ways to protect your trees from these furry pests. In this article, we will discuss some effective methods for squirrel-proofing your fruit trees.

The Problem with Squirrels

Squirrels are natural climbers and jumpers, which make them excellent at raiding fruit trees. They can easily jump from one branch to another or climb up the trunk using their sharp claws. Once they reach the fruits, they can chew through the skin and eat the flesh, leaving behind a mess of half-eaten fruits and damaged branches.

Aside from damaging your harvest, squirrels can also cause problems in your garden. They can dig up bulbs and seedlings, raid bird feeders, and even chew through electrical wires.

Effective Squirrel-Proofing Methods

If you're tired of losing your precious fruits to squirrels, here are some effective methods for keeping them at bay:

Use Physical Barriers

One of the simplest and most effective methods for squirrel-proofing your fruit trees is by using physical barriers. You can wrap the trunk and branches of the tree with a metal sheet or wire mesh, making it difficult for squirrels to climb up. You can also install a cage around the tree, similar to a birdcage, to prevent squirrels from accessing the fruits.

Metal sheet wrap around tree

Hang Netting Over the Fruits

Another effective method is to hang netting over the fruits. This will prevent squirrels from reaching the fruits while still allowing sunlight and air to pass through. Make sure to use a fine-meshed netting so that squirrels cannot chew through it. You can also use a combination of netting and physical barriers to provide double protection.

Fruit tree netting

Apply Repellents

You can also use repellents to deter squirrels from your fruit trees. There are many types of repellents available in the market, including sprays, granules, and ultrasonic devices. Some common ingredients used in squirrel repellents are capsaicin (hot pepper extract), predator urine, and essential oils such as peppermint and eucalyptus. However, keep in mind that not all repellents are safe for human consumption, so make sure to read the label carefully before applying them.

Squirrel repellent spray

Plant Squirrel-Resistant Trees

If you're planning to plant new fruit trees, consider choosing varieties that are less attractive to squirrels. Some examples of squirrel-resistant trees are sour cherry, quince, and pawpaw. These trees have tough skins and bitter flavors that squirrels dislike. You can also plant other types of nut trees or berry bushes to divert squirrels' attention from your fruit trees.

Sour cherry tree

Squirrels can be a nuisance to fruit tree growers, but with the right methods, you can protect your harvest and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Remember to use physical barriers, hang netting over the fruits, apply repellents, and plant squirrel-resistant trees. By doing so, you can ensure that your fruits are safe from furry raiders.

Squirrel-proofing your fruit trees, physical barriers, netting, repellents, squirrel-resistant trees