What can I use to hold up bird netting?

Bird netting is an effective way to keep birds from eating your garden fruits and vegetables or making a mess on your patio or deck. However, properly installing the netting can be tricky. One of the most important steps is finding a sturdy support system to hold up the netting and keep it taut and elevated above your plants. There are several options for bird netting supports that can work in different garden situations.

Using Trellises and Arbors

If you already have vertical structures like trellises, arbors or pergolas in your garden, these can often double as supports for bird netting. The netting can be draped over the top of the structure and secured on the sides and bottom with garden stakes or zip ties. This creates a tent-like enclosure over your garden beds or patio. Trellises and arbors made of wood or metal work best as they are rigid and able to handle the weight of the netting. Keep in mind that very tall trellises or arbors may require extra support poles on the sides to keep the netting taut.

Pros:

• Utilizes existing garden structures
• Creates an enclosed cage that thoroughly protects plants
• Allows you to grow vining plants on the trellis at the same time

Cons:

• Only works if you already have suitable trellises or arbors installed
• Netting may sag if trellis is too flimsy or tall

Using Posts and Poles

If you don’t have an existing vertical structure, another option is using tall wooden posts or metal poles to support the bird netting. You can use T-posts (the kind used for fencing), electrical conduit poles, PVC poles, bamboo poles or rough-cut 4×4 wood posts. Space the supports every 3-5 feet around the perimeter of the area you want to cover. The posts should be driven at least 1-2 feet into the ground and stand 6-8 feet above ground. Tie the top edge of the netting to strings or wires strung horizontally between the posts. Use additional vertical poles every few feet if needed to prevent sagging.

Pros:

• Lets you install support structure from scratch
• Works for any garden shape and most terrain types
• T-posts and poles are inexpensive

Cons:

• More labor intensive installation
• Poles may heave up over time
• Not as aesthetically pleasing as trellises

Using Copper Pipe Frames

For a more decorative and durable support option, you can build cubed or arched frames out of copper pipe and fittings. This involves assembling the pipes into the desired shape, driving the ends into the ground for stability, and draping the netting over the frame. Copper will develop an attractive green patina over time. You can also use galvanized steel pipe for a cheaper alternative to copper. PVC pipe frames are possible too but more prone to breaking over time.

Pros:

• Attractive support structure that enhances garden design
• Long lasting compared to wood or plastic
• Customizable size and shape

Cons:

• More expensive than basic poles
• Time consuming to construct frames
• May require concrete footing for stability

Using Cattle Panels or Synthetic Fencing

If you need to cover a large garden area on a budget, consider using cattle panels or vinyl fencing sections as support for the bird netting. Cattle panels are heavy duty galvanized livestock fencing made with about 6″ x 8″ openings. They come in 16-20 foot long sections that can be shaped into bows or squares. Vinyl garden fencing comes in various colors, heights and lattice patterns. Both of these options provide economical, durable and customizable support structures for spanning wider rows or sections. They do require T-post or wood post supports around the perimeter to keep them upright.

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Easy to install and shape as needed
• Durable and long lasting

Cons:

• Not as decorative looking as some options
• Sections may not be tall enough to create needed height
• Still requires secondary support posts

Using Store Bought Frames and Cages

For the easiest installation, you can purchase ready-made steel or aluminum frame kits intended specifically for supporting bird netting. These consist of interlocking poles or hoops that can be assembled into domes or tunnel shapes in just a few minutes. The frames often come with netting included that you simply stretch over the framework. Many of the kits are freestanding once assembled and do not need to be anchored into the ground. This makes them ideal for movable protection over garden beds, fruit trees and bushes. They provide ample height and coverage while being easy to disassemble for storage when not in use.

Pros:

• Fast and simple setup
• Standalone portable units
• No construction skills required

Cons:

• On the pricier side
• Limited sizing options
• May not hold up in extreme weather

Things to Consider When Choosing Supports

When deciding which type of support system will work best for your specific garden, here are few important considerations:

• Durability – Will the support withstand wind, rain, snow and birds over multiple seasons? Metal and thick wood are most durable.
• Height – The support must be tall enough to keep birds from perching on or flying over it. Aim for 6-8 feet of coverage.
• Anchorability – Can the supports be firmly anchored in place? Freestanding supports may blow over.
• Accessibility – Be sure you can easily reach crops through openings for harvesting.
• Appearance – Will the supports look acceptable in your landscape? Aesthetics may matter in front yards.
• Removability – Is the support system temporary or permanent? Some homeowners may not want permanent structures.
• Weight – Very lightweight supports won’t hold up the netting as well.
• Cost – Simple poles tend to be cheaper than decorative arbors or steel frames.

Top Five Recommended Supports

Based on their overall versatility, durability and effectiveness, here are 5 of the best support systems to consider for your bird netting project:

Conclusion

Installing bird netting in your garden helps protect ripening fruits and vegetables from damage and theft by birds. Choosing sturdy supports to hold up the netting properly is key to getting the most benefit from bird control netting. Options like trellises, metal poles, pipe frames and prefab kits can all work well in different gardening scenarios. Think about height, durability, cost and appearance needs when deciding which support method to use. With the right supports in place, bird netting can reduce frustration and let you enjoy the bounty from your garden!