Three years ago, my wife and I planted a peach tree in our backyard, and have been enchanted with its lovely scent when it blooms in the spring. Each year, it also produces dozens of peaches, which we eagerly wait to ripen. However, all too often, the tree is systematically stripped bare by ravenous squirrels, who seem to know just when to pluck the fruit from the tree.
It's utterly frustrating. After we saw it happen the first year, we tried netting the second year, but it was a pain to wrap around the tree; the squirrels were undeterred, and by mid-June, the tree was barren of all peaches.
This year, I'm trying something different using something I would have otherwise thrown out with the trash, and it's working so far. Here's what I did.
Strawberry containers to the rescue
Due to my daughter's fondness for the fruit, we go through at least one container of strawberries per week. Our supermarket carries the Driscoll brand, which come in rectangular plastic containers. Normally, these containers get thrown into the garbage or recycling, but this past spring, as I was getting ready to toss one out, I took a look at the container, which gave me an idea.
The strawberry container is designed to allow for airflow, so that the strawberries don't get moldy. But, I also realized that these slots could also work to my advantage on my peach tree.
I opened a container, placed it around a peach, and then snapped it shut. The slots in the container not only let the peach breathe, but they're also large enough so that I can put it around a branch without damaging it.
How it's going so far
I used strawberry containers to protect about a half-dozen peaches, and wouldn't you know, those are the only peaches that are still on the tree. I had my doubts about the small plastic locks on the containers, but they've remained secure, even through some pretty big and gusty thunderstorms.
The squirrels haven't yet figured out how to open the containers — and I hope they don't — but few things are as tempting.
I also tried using a blueberry container, but they don't have the same slots around the top rim, so when I cut holes to allow for the branch, the container lost all its structural stability, and wouldn't remain locked on the tree.
The peaches are growing slowly, but steadily. The biggest downside is that having a bunch of plastic containers on the tree isn't the most aesthetically pleasing, but if that's the price to pay for a juicy peach from my own tree, then it's something I'll gladly accept.
What are your tricks for keeping squirrels away from your fruit trees? Let me know in the comments.
