How To Put Bird Netting Over Blueberry Bushes

To put bird netting over blueberry bushes, you’ll want to drape it over a sturdy frame or directly over the shrubs once they start fruiting, securing the edges tightly to the ground.
 
It’s the most reliable way to keep hungry birds from devouring your entire harvest before you get a single berry.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to put bird netting over blueberry bushes without damaging the plants or trapping yourself in a tangled mess, you’re in the right place.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to put bird netting over blueberry bushes step by step, the best materials to use, and the mistakes to avoid so your crop stays safe.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

How to Put Bird Netting Over Blueberry Bushes

 
Learning how to put bird netting over blueberry bushes is really about creating a physical barrier that birds can’t sneak under or through.
 
You’ll want to do this before the berries start to turn blue, usually in late spring or early summer depending on your climate.
 
The goal is to cover the bush completely without letting the netting rest directly on the fruit, because birds can peck through the mesh when it’s pressed against the berries.
 

1. Choose the Right Netting

 
Not all bird netting is created equal, so pick one with a mesh size of about 3/4 inch or smaller.
 
That size keeps out most songbirds while still letting pollinators and light through.
 
Look for UV-resistant netting so it lasts more than one season, and go for a dark color like black or green since it’s less visible and blends into the garden.
 
Cheap, thin netting tends to tear easily, so spending a little more upfront saves you frustration later.
 

2. Build a Simple Frame

 
The easiest way to put bird netting over blueberry bushes is to build a frame that holds the netting above the plant.
 
You can drive four wooden stakes or PVC pipes into the ground around the bush, then connect them with horizontal supports across the top.
 
A simple box frame works wonders, or you can arch flexible PVC over the bush to create a hoop shape.
 
The frame should be at least a foot taller than the bush so the netting never touches the ripening berries.
 

3. Drape and Secure the Netting

 
Once your frame is in place, drape the netting over the top and let it fall down the sides.
 
Gather the excess at the base and pin it to the ground using landscape staples, bricks, or heavy stones.
 
This step is critical because birds will walk right under a loose edge or find any gap to slip through.
 
Make sure there are no openings, and check that the netting is pulled snug but not so tight that it tears.
 

Tips for Putting Bird Netting Over Blueberry Bushes

 
A few smart moves make the whole process of putting bird netting over blueberry bushes much easier and safer for your plants.
 

1. Time It Right

 
Put your bird netting over blueberry bushes just as the berries begin to change color from green to pink or blue.
 
That’s when birds suddenly take notice.
 
If you wait until the fruit is fully ripe, you’ve already lost part of your crop.
 

2. Avoid Netting That Snags

 
Some netting tangles around branches, leaves, and even birds’ feet, which can be dangerous.
 
Choose a woven, knotted style rather than a spun, monofilament type that snags easily.
 
When you put bird netting over blueberry bushes, always check it daily during peak season so no bird gets trapped.
 

3. Don’t Let Netting Touch the Berries

 
Birds can reach through the mesh if it’s lying right on the fruit.
 
That’s why the frame matters so much.
 
Keeping the netting suspended a few inches above the bush is the difference between full protection and a free buffet.
 

4. Remove It After Harvest

 
Once you’ve picked the last berry, take the netting down and store it somewhere dry.
 
Leaving it up year-round can damage the bush, trap debris, and invite pests.
 
Plus, taking it down makes pruning and fall care much simpler.
 

Common Mistakes When Putting Bird Netting Over Blueberry Bushes

 
Even seasoned gardeners trip up when they put bird netting over blueberry bushes.
 
One big mistake is leaving gaps along the bottom, which lets clever birds simply walk underneath.
 
Another is using netting with holes that are too large, giving robins and starlings an easy entry point.
 
And skipping the frame entirely often backfires, since netting pressed against the fruit still lets birds peck through.
 
Also, don’t forget to check the netting after storms, because wind can lift edges and create new openings overnight.
 

So, How Do You Put Bird Netting Over Blueberry Bushes?

 
You put bird netting over blueberry bushes by building a simple frame, draping UV-resistant netting over the top, and pinning the edges firmly to the ground before the berries ripen.
 
It’s a straightforward job that takes an afternoon and saves your entire harvest.
 
With the right netting, a sturdy frame, and a little attention to detail, you’ll enjoy baskets full of berries instead of watching birds feast on your hard work.