Wildlife friendly tree netting

Tree netting is a common way to protect your fruit trees from birds and other fruit-eating animals. The wrong type of netting or incorrect installation can harm local wildlife. Native animals such as birds, bats, snakes, lizards, and possums can get tangled in large mesh netting, resulting in injury or death. In 2024, WIRES volunteers reported 22 rescues of wildlife caught in fruit tree netting in Eurobodalla.

Tips to help you choose the right tree netting

Use netting with a hole size no larger than 5mm x 5mm at full stretch. You could also use the 'finger test' (you cannot poke your finger through the mesh). This protects the fruit and ensures wildlife doesn't get trapped.
Use white netting so nocturnal wildlife can see it at night.
Use netting with a strand diameter thicker than 500 microns or with a cross-weave design.
Fix netting securely to the tree branches rather than allowing it to hang.
Fasten the bottom of the net to the trunk of the tree. This prevents ground-dwelling animals from getting caught in the net and other animals from climbing up the tree.
Consider using a frame to support the netting. This stops animals from reaching fruit through the net and helps protect the tree from the weight of the nets.
Consider using smaller, individual fruit protection bags rather than netting the whole tree.
Check your fruit trees every day for trapped or injured wildlife.

Safe tree netting

When choosing netting for your trees, make sure it passes the 'finger test', ie, you cannot poke your finger through the mesh.

See examples of four safe nets that pass the 'finger test'

Dispose of your unwanted garden netting

Unused or discarded fruit nets are a major risk to wildlife, as they can get tangled in the netting.

Only net your tree after blossoming has finished and fruit is starting to grow.
Remove nets as soon as fruiting has finished and store them indoors or in a box.
Use good quality nets as they last longer.
Place old nets into a reused bag and put them in the bin.

What to do if you find wildlife tangled in netting

If you find an injured or entangled animal, contact WIRES:

T: 1300 094 737
W: WIRES

You can also contact Wildlife Rescue South Coast:

T: 0418 427 214 - north of Batemans Bay
T: 0417 238 921 - south of Batemans Bay
W: Wildlife Rescue South Coast

Flying fox tangled in fruit netting

Snake in fruit netting

Learn more

Learn about wildlife friendly tree netting for your garden:

Contact us

If you need more information about wildlife friendly tree netting, contact India Howlett, Council's Natural Resource Officer:

T: 4474 7329
E: India Howlett