Do you have an apple tree in your yard? If so, you know how delightful it can be to pick fresh apples right off the branch.
But if youve noticed that your apples are disappearing before theyre ripe, you might have a squirrel problem.
Dont worry – you can protect your apple tree from these little critters with the right strategies.
In this article, well cover five proven strategies to protect apple trees from squirrels.
Well discuss why protecting apple trees is important, how to use squirrel-proof netting, physical barriers, and repellents and deterrents, how to trap and remove squirrels, and what beneficial plants and animals can help.
Well also talk about pruning and trimming strategies to help protect your tree from squirrels.
So read on to learn how to protect your apple trees from these crafty critters!.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
One way to protect apple trees from squirrels is to wrap a metal mesh or hardware cloth around the trunk of the tree.
This will keep squirrels from climbing the trunk and reaching the fruit.
Additionally, it may be helpful to place bird feeders away from the trees to divert squirrels away from the apple trees.
Finally, you can also spray a mixture of water and cayenne pepper or a commercial squirrel repellent around the base of the tree to keep squirrels away.
Why Protect Apple Trees from Squirrels?
When it comes to protecting apple trees from squirrels, it may seem like an impossible task.
After all, the critters are fast, resourceful, and persistent! But protecting apple trees from squirrels is a must if you want to enjoy a healthy and bountiful harvest.
Squirrels can damage the tree and its fruit, as well as strip bark and cause other destruction.
Plus, they can spread disease and parasites, both of which can be harmful to the tree and its fruit.
In addition, squirrels can compete with your birds and other wildlife for the food you provide.
By taking steps to protect your apple tree from squirrels, you can ensure a healthy, productive tree and a bumper crop of apples.
Squirrel-Proof Netting
Squirrel-proof netting is an effective way to protect apple trees from pesky squirrels.
Netting is typically made of a durable, stretchy material and is designed to be draped over the entire tree, including the fruit.
The mesh size of the netting should be small enough to prevent squirrels from entering, but large enough to allow sunlight and rain to penetrate.
Netting can be secured to the trunk of the tree and staked to the ground to ensure that it is firmly in place.
If the netting is not securely fastened, squirrels may be able to chew through it and access the tree.
Additionally, the netting should be checked periodically to ensure that it remains intact and free from holes.
Physical Barriers
Physical barriers are an effective way to protect apple trees from squirrels.
These barriers can include chicken wire, garden fencing, and other types of fencing.
Chicken wire is a great option and is very easy to install.
It is constructed from flexible galvanized wire, and it can be folded and bent to fit any size or shape of tree.
It is also relatively inexpensive and can be found in most hardware stores.
Garden fencing is another option and is usually made of plastic or metal.
It is strong and sturdy and can be used to create a complete enclosure around the tree.
This type of barrier is more expensive than chicken wire, but it is more durable and can provide a more permanent solution.
Additionally, other types of fencing can be used, such as chain-link and wire mesh, which can also provide a secure barrier.
Whichever type of barrier is used, it is important to ensure it is securely fastened to prevent squirrels from entering.
Squirrel Repellents and Deterrents
Squirrel repellents and deterrents are an effective way to keep squirrels away from apple trees.
There are a variety of products designed to deter squirrels, including motion-activated sprinklers, sound emitters, and ultrasonic devices.
Motion-activated sprinklers detect movement and spray a jet of water on anything that triggers the motion sensor.
This sudden noise and motion can be enough to scare off squirrels, or at least discourage them from returning.
Sound emitters, or noise machines, emit a variety of noises to create an uncomfortable environment for squirrels.
Ultrasonic devices use sound waves that are inaudible to humans, but can be irritating to animals, and can be used to keep squirrels away from apple trees.
In addition to these products, there are a variety of natural deterrents that can be used.
For example, cayenne pepper or garlic can be sprinkled around the tree to make the area around it unappealing to squirrels.
A spray bottle filled with water can also be used to startle squirrels when they come near the tree.
Finally, hanging up reflective items, such as aluminum pie pans, may scare off the squirrels as they are startled by their own reflection.
When using repellents and deterrents to protect apple trees from squirrels, it is important to remember that some of these products may not be suitable for all locations, and may require frequent reapplication.
Additionally, these products may not be effective if there are a large number of squirrels in the area.
Therefore, it is important to use a combination of methods to protect apple trees from squirrels.
Trapping and Removing Squirrels
Trapping and removing squirrels can be an effective way to protect apple trees from the critters, but it should be done with caution and only as a last resort.
Squirrels can be trapped using live traps, which are designed to capture the animal without harming it.
Once the squirrel is trapped, it can be released in a more suitable location away from the apple tree.
It’s important to remember that trapping and relocating squirrels is illegal in some areas, so it’s important to research local laws before attempting this method.
Trapping and releasing can also be difficult and time consuming, as the squirrels may need to be removed multiple times before they stop returning to the apple tree.
Beneficial Plants and Animals
In addition to using physical barriers, repellents, and trapping, there are other methods to protect apple trees from squirrels.
One way is to introduce other beneficial plants and animals into the environment.
For example, adding bird feeders, birdhouses, and wildlife friendly plants can provide an alternate food source for the squirrels.
This can help divert their attention from the apple trees and reduce their impact on the fruit.
Additionally, predators such as owls, hawks, and snakes can help keep the squirrel population in check.
Creating a habitat for these predators will also help protect the apple trees from squirrels.
Pruning and Trimming Strategies
Pruning and trimming are two of the most important strategies for protecting apple trees from squirrels.
Pruning helps to create a dense canopy and reduce the number of squirrel access points.
It also helps to improve air circulation and light penetration, which can help to increase the fruit yield.
Trimming can help to reduce the squirrels ability to jump from branch to branch and can also help to reduce the overall size of the tree, making it easier to protect.
When pruning, it is important to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, as these can provide easy access points for the squirrels.
Pruning should also be done carefully, as over-pruning can reduce the overall health of the tree.
Additionally, pruning should be done during the winter months when the tree is dormant, as this will help to minimize the stress on the tree.
Trimming should also be done carefully, as it can be difficult to determine the right amount of growth to remove without impacting the health and vigor of the tree.
When trimming, it is important to maintain the natural shape of the tree, and to avoid removing too much growth from the tips of the branches.
Additionally, large branches should be carefully cut back to a smaller diameter, as this helps to reduce the squirrels ability to jump from branch to branch.
Pruning and trimming can be done on a regular basis to help keep the tree in a healthy condition and to prevent the squirrels from accessing the tree and its fruit.
Additionally, these strategies can help to reduce the overall size of the tree, making it easier to protect with physical barriers or repellents.
Final Thoughts
Protecting apple trees from squirrels is important to maintain the health of the tree and its fruit.
With the right strategies, you can keep squirrels away and keep your apple tree healthy.
Utilizing strategies such as squirrel-proof netting, physical barriers, squirrel repellents and deterrents, trapping, and beneficial plants and animals can help protect apple trees from squirrels.
Implementing pruning and trimming strategies can further deter squirrels from damaging the tree.
With the right protection, you can ensure that your apple tree will remain healthy and safe from squirrels.