How to Cover Blueberry Bushes with Netting

Birds destroy more than 30% of unprotected blueberry crops every season. Installing blueberry netting correctly stops this — but timing and ground sealing matter as much as the net itself. This guide walks through the full installation process, from preparation to maintenance, for bushes of any size.

This article will teach you everything that you need to know about installing blueberry netting so that you can get started right away.

Why Should You Install Blueberry Netting?

Blueberry netting is the only method proven to stop bird damage season after season. Birds can wipe out 30%+ of an unprotected crop in weeks. Netting also prevents squirrels, keeps fruit clean, and — when timed correctly — has no impact on pollinator access during flowering.

There are many reasons why you should install blueberry netting.

One of the most important reasons is that it can help to protect your blueberries from birds and other animals that may try to eat them.
Plus, blueberry netting can also help to increase the yield of your blueberry crop.
It also prevents squirrels and other small animals from invading the blueberries.
The blueberry netting will also keep the blueberries clean and free from dirt.

When Should You Install Blueberry Netting and What Do You Need?

Install netting before fruit set — when berries are still green, 4–6 weeks before expected harvest. Installing after berries show colour means birds have already learned your row layout. You will need: blueberry netting (16mm mesh), posts, wire or clips, ground pegs, gloves, and a ladder for taller bushes.

The blueberry netting will be installed when the blueberries are in full bloom.
This is typically around late June or early July.

To prepare for the installation, you will need to gather the following materials: blueberry netting, posts, wire, clamps, and gloves.

You will also need a ladder to reach the blueberries if they are growing on a bush or vine.
If the blueberries are in a garden, you can install the netting without a ladder.

How Do You Install Blueberry Bush Covers Step by Step?

Installation takes 1–2 days per hectare for drape systems. The critical steps are: accurate area measurement, post placement at 2-foot intervals, tensioning the net evenly, and sealing ground edges with pegs every 25cm. Gaps larger than 10mm at ground level allow ground-foraging birds to enter.

Installing the blueberry bush covers is a relatively simple process,
but it is important to follow the steps carefully in order to ensure that the netting is installed correctly.

Step 1: Measure the area where the blueberry netting will be installed. Calculate row length × row width, then add 60cm overhang on each side for drape systems. This determines how much netting to purchase.

Step 2: Set up the posts around the perimeter of the area where the blueberry netting will be installed. The posts should be placed about two feet apart.

Step 3: Attach the blueberry netting to the posts using wire or netting clips. Be sure to leave enough slack in the netting so that it can be pulled taut when it is installed.

Step 4: Pull the blueberry netting taut and secure it to the ground with stakes or rocks.

Step 5: Trim any excess blueberry netting from around the perimeter of the installation.

Step 6: That’s it! You’ve successfully installed blueberry netting.

Now all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor. blueberries will be protected from birds and other pests, and they’ll be ripe and ready for picking in no time.

How Do You Get the Most from Your Blueberry Netting Installation?

Three practices extend netting life and effectiveness: inspect and repair tears within 24 hours of any storm (birds find gaps fast), remove netting after harvest to allow pollinator access, and store folded in shade during winter. These steps can add 1–2 seasons to a 5–8 year rated UV-HDPE net.

Once you’ve installed blueberry netting, there are a few things you can do to get the most out of your investment.

First, be sure to check the netting regularly for holes or tears. If you find any damage, be sure to repair it promptly.

Second, don’t forget to remove the blueberry netting once the blueberries have been picked. This will allow other animals to access the berries and help to keep the netting in good condition.

Lastly, if you live in an area with heavy winds, you may want to consider anchoring the blueberry netting to the ground with stakes or rocks. This will help to prevent the netting from blowing away.

By following these simple tips, you can be sure that your blueberry netting will last for many seasons to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Blueberry Netting

Q: What is the material of the blueberry netting?

A: The blueberry netting is made from HDPE, which is durable, lightweight, heavy-duty, and eco-friendly. This material can come into direct contact with the fruit without any toxicity and will not cause contamination to the fruit.

Q: What size is the blueberry netting?

A: The blueberry tree netting is available in a variety of sizes to accommodate different needs. We can customize products according to customers’ needs.

Q: How long will the blueberry tree netting last?

A: With proper care, the blueberry tree netting can last for many seasons, usually EyouAgro Blueberry bush netting can ensure you 5 year UV guarantee. Be sure to check the netting regularly for holes or tears and repair any damage promptly.

Q: Is black or white blueberry bush netting better?

A: If the light is strong in the planting area, black blueberry bush netting is better because it can prevent over 90% of the sun’s heat from reaching the blueberries, which can help to keep them cool and fresh.

But in general, white blueberry netting is a better choice, because white is more of a visual barrier to the birds, which can play a better role in preventing birds.

Questions to Ask Before Buying Blueberry Bush Netting

Before placing an order with any supplier, ask these four questions to confirm you are buying manufacturer-grade netting:

1. What is the UV stabilizer loading in your HDPE resin? Quality netting uses 2.5–3% UV stabilizer. Budget options use 1% or less and fail within 2–3 seasons.
2. What mesh size tolerance do you hold? A 16mm net with ±1mm tolerance can have 17mm gaps — enough for small birds. Professional manufacturers hold ±0.5mm.
3. Do you pre-sew panels to custom lengths? Custom-sewn panels reduce on-farm joining labour by 30–40%. Suppliers who only sell cut rolls add hidden labour cost.
4. Can you provide a pre-production sample from the same batch as the bulk order? This protects against quality inconsistency between sample and delivery.

Conclusion

The blueberry plant netting system is an effective and affordable way to protect your blueberries from birds and other animals.
The netting is made from durable material and is available in a variety of sizes to accommodate different needs. With proper care, blueberry netting can last for a long time. It can help you increase your production by about 30%.
You don’t have to worry about birds and small animals on the farm anymore.

If you’re looking for an easy and affordable way to protect your blueberries, look no further than EyouAgro Commercial Blueberry Netting. We offer a variety of sizes to accommodate different needs.

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