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How to protect crops from birds, rodents and weather

A person inserting a plastic peg into the edge of bird netting on the ground

Overview

Bird netting is a great way to protect your seedlings, fruit and vegetables from wind, hail, frost and also hungry birds and rodents. The netting comes in a range of sizes and we'll show you how it can be cut to suit your plants.

Tip: In 2021, new provisions came into effect in Victoria which means that any netting used to protect household fruit trees, vegetable gardens or other fruiting plants must have a mesh size no greater than 5mm x 5mm at full stretch. All the netting we sell is compliant with this requirement (mesh sizes no greater than 5mm x 5mm at full stretch).

Tools and materials

    Materials

    Steps

    1Put the netting over your tree

    You can cut the netting to suit the size of your tree, but remember that – unless you regularly prune your tree – it will continue to grow. If the tree is taller than you, throw the netting over it and then use a pole to help pull the netting over to completely cover your tree.
    A person spreading netting over a tree using a pole

    2Peg down the net

    With their unique hook system, eco pegs are the perfect anchors for your net. Use them to secure the netting by pushing them through the holes in the net. Place them around the netting at regular intervals and pull the netting tight to the ground so that rodents can't get underneath of it.
    A person inserting a plastic peg into the edge of bird netting on the ground

    3Protecting trees and wildlife

    Here are a few tips to make sure you’re protecting your trees and looking out for wildlife:

    • Use white netting. It’s easier for nocturnal animals to see (and therefore avoid) at night.
    • Using netting made from material with a strand diameter thicker than 500 microns, or with a cross-weave design, helps reduce wildlife injuries and fatalities.
    • While using netting, check your trees daily to ensure the netting is still fixed and no wildlife is entangled.
    • Once you’ve harvested, remove the netting.
    Health & Safety

    Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

    When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.