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Hanging planters not only enhance your property but provide attractive nesting sites for birds. Bird-proofing hanging baskets will prevent overly protective feathered parents from dive-bombing you. It also allays concerns about damaging eggs or babies when you water or maintain your containers. Try a few of the suggestions in this article for Aves-friendly gardening. Most gardeners welcome birds and even create havens for their flying friends. However, in some cases, the little guys decide to nest in hanging baskets and other containers. It is easy to see why they find such sites attractive, with their leafy protection from predators and weather. You have a couple of choices if the birds become a nuisance or you are worried about damaging the nests.
Basket grass plants are a popular choice for gardens and hanging baskets due to their delicate, flowing leaves and dense growth habit. However, their delicate nature also makes them vulnerable to damage from birds who may seek shelter, nesting material or food within the plant. If you’ve noticed birds targeting your basket grass, there are several effective yet gentle ways to deter them and protect your plant.
Understanding Why Birds Are Attracted to Basket Grass
Birds are naturally drawn to certain plants and areas in your garden for a variety of reasons:
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Shelter and Nesting – The dense leaves and compact shape of basket grass makes an appealing spot for nesting or taking shelter, especially in bad weather.
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Foraging for Insects – Birds will dig through foliage and soil seeking tasty grubs worms or other insects to eat.
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Eating Seeds and Berries – Fruiting plants provide birds with nutritious seeds and berries to feed on Even non-fruiting plants like basket grass may contain immature seeds that attract birds
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Curiosity – Basket grass hanging in a basket may attract inquisitive birds who want to explore.
While most birds mean no harm, their presence can inadvertently damage plants through broken stems, trampled leaves, pecking at foliage and disrupting the soil. Stopping them before the damage starts is key.
Physical Barriers to Keep Birds Off Your Basket Grass
Installing physical barriers is the most direct way to prevent birds from access your basket grass plant. Popular options include:
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Bird Netting – Netting draped over the plant creates an impenetrable barrier that deters birds from landing on or digging through the foliage. Ensure no gaps are left uncovered.
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Wire Cages or Mesh – A wire cage around the hanging basket prevents entry from all angles. Use a mesh size small enough that birds can’t squeeze through.
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Row Covers – Fabric row covers are a lightweight option to cover over plants. Opt for transparent plastic or mesh to allow light through.
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Fishing Line – Criss-cross transparent fishing line above and around plants to discourage birds from attempting to land.
Use Visual Scares and Repellents
In addition to physical barriers, a variety of visual scares and chemical repellents can effectively shoo away problematic birds.
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Reflective Tape or Objects – Hanging reflective surfaces like old CDs near your plants will deter birds due to the flashing, light movement.
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Scarecrow or Fake Predators – Scarecrows and plastic owls or hawks placed nearby will frighten most birds. Move them regularly so birds don’t become accustomed.
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Repellent Sprays – Applying chili pepper, garlic or other natural repellent sprays on and around plants makes them unappealing to birds. Reapply after rain.
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Predator Urines – The smell of predator pee (fox, coyote, etc) triggers birds’ natural fear response. Apply around vulnerable plants.
Use Sounds To Scare Birds Away
Since birds rely heavily on their hearing, sound-based deterrents can be highly effective for sensitive species. Options include:
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Noisemakers – Bells, wind chimes, clackers or other noisemakers near plants startle birds and deter landing.
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Ultrasonic Devices – Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sounds only birds can hear to frighten them off without disturbing humans.
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Predator Calls – Motion-activated devices that play predator calls like hawks or owls when triggered by movement can scare off birds.
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Alarms – Setting up alarms that activate distracting sounds, lights or water spray when a motion sensor is triggered near the plant.
Create a Bird-Friendly Zone Away From the Plant
While it may seem counterproductive, giving birds an appealing area of your garden to frequent can divert their attention away from your basket grass. Strategies include:
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Place bird feeders, houses and baths away from the plants you want to protect.
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Plant bird-attracting flowers, trees and shrubs in a separate garden bed.
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Install raised beds or planter boxes out of reach of ground birds.
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Allow bird access to areas of the garden that aren’t as vulnerable.
Consistency is Key for Success
When trying to deter birds, consistency and persistence are key. Birds are highly intelligent and adaptable, so you must be diligent in applying protective measures to successfully keep them away from your basket grass long-term.
Rotate visual scare tactics, reinforce barriers, reapply chemical repellents and use multiple strategies at once to create an inhospitable environment for birds around your prized plant. Pay close attention and reassess if any new birds begin targeting the plant. With commitment, you can safeguard your basket grass while allowing birds to enjoy the rest of your garden.
Additional Tips for Protecting Plants from Birds
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Prune back overhanging branches birds may use as access points.
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Use elevated hanging baskets out of reach.
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Monitor plants regularly for signs of damage.
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Scare off birds immediately when spotted on plants.
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Try multiple deterrents at once to increase effectiveness.
By implementing smart, strategic solutions tailored to your garden environment, you can keep birds from wreaking havoc on your basket grass and enjoy both thriving plants and a healthy bird population. A multi-pronged approach allows you to gently dissuade birds while letting them freely enjoy the rest of your outdoor space. With some patience and creativity, your garden can become a sanctuary both you and our feathered friends will appreciate.
Too Late! I Have a Bird Nesting in My Hanging Basket
Even with some prevention, you can find yourself in the possession of birds nesting in hanging plants. Contrary to some early research, you can move a nest and the parents will still take care of it, provided you dont move it where they cannot find it. Place a similar hanging basket lined with coir or moss next to the original and move the nest into the new place. If you have a hanging plant with birds, this simple eviction will usually do the trick. As a preemptive step, hang the basket every year when you hang your others. If you have tried everything to prevent birds in hanging baskets, try some serious warfare. Erect small bamboo skewers in the plant to keep out the animals. It certainly wont hurt them but there wont be a flat surface on which to build a nest. Another idea to inhibit birds in hanging baskets is to place a couple of citrus oil-soaked cotton balls in the nest. The citrus scent may repel them. Overall, the best idea is to enjoy having wildlife that up close and personal. Be careful when watering if you have a hanging plant with birds. Use a light spray or hand water around the babies. Once the young birds have flown the nest, remove it to prevent it from becoming a nesting site for bugs.
Bird Proofing Hanging Baskets
The first line of defense is prevention. Here are some steps you can take to prevent birds from taking up residence in your potted plants:
- Provide plenty of other nesting sites in your garden. Erect birdhouses and nesting boxes.
- At planting, lay light wire mesh over the basket or container, so birds cant get in to build nests.
- Use fake predators to discourage them from your planting zone. These might include rubber snakes or a fake owl.
- Set streamers along the edges of your home or where you hang baskets. This will prevent birds from nesting in hanging baskets by scaring them to a more appropriate zone.
Eliminate Birds From Attacking Your Garden (Without Killing Them) | Bird Repellant Scare #BirdBozo
FAQ
How do I stop birds from taking my basket liners?
How do I keep birds out of my fern basket?
How do you protect grass seed from birds?
You’ll most likely have to post a few stakes around the lawn if you want to use netting to protect grass seed from birds. Pull the netting over the entire area and attach the ends to the stakes, somewhere between 2 and 3 inches above the surface below.
Does netting protect grass seed from birds?
The use of netting for grass seed is often to help prevent seeds from moving around, especially on slopes or high erosion areas. But they can also help make sure you have grass seed that birds will not eat. You’ll most likely have to post a few stakes around the lawn if you want to use netting to protect grass seed from birds.
How do you protect grass seed?
The best thing to protect grass seed is to use a combination of protection methods, including netting, repellents, and scare tactics. It’s also important to plant the seed at the right time, use high-quality seed, water and fertilize properly, keep the planting area clean, and monitor the area regularly for signs of damage or pest activity.
How do you keep birds away from seeded plants?
‘One effective method is to cover the seeded area with a lightweight, breathable fabric or bird netting,’ says Reese. ‘This will create a physical barrier between the birds and the seed, making it more difficult for them to access. Be sure to firmly secure the fabric’s edges to the ground to prevent birds from getting underneath it.’