Our 3/4" (2cm) green bird netting is designed for fruit trees, vegetable gardens, and larger growing areas where medium to large birds are the primary concern. Knotted nylon construction makes it stronger and more durable than extruded alternatives, and the green color sits quietly against foliage without drawing attention.
Birds and animals it keeps out
At 3/4", this netting is sized to block medium and large bird species. It is not suitable for gardens where sparrows, finches, or wrens are the main problem: the opening is large enough for small birds to enter or become dangerously caught. For mixed bird pressure, the 1/4" mesh is the safer choice.
Species effectively excluded by this mesh size:
- Blackbirds
- Robins
- Thrushes
- Doves and collared doves
- Pigeons and wood pigeons
- Squirrels and rabbits (when edges are secured at ground level)
Not suitable for small birds
Sparrows, finches, and wrens can pass through or become trapped in a 19 mm opening. If your garden is visited by these species, choose our 1/4" mesh netting instead.
Is it bird safe?
For the species it is designed to exclude, yes. Blackbirds, robins, thrushes, and pigeons cannot pass through or get caught in a 3/4" opening. The knotted construction adds an extra layer of safety: knots create firm, defined junctions that hold their shape under pressure, preventing the mesh from deforming and creating gaps that could trap a bird. As noted above, this netting should not be used where small birds are present.
Best uses by plant type
The 3/4" mesh is the most widely used size for fruit trees and larger garden crops. Blackbirds and thrushes are opportunistic feeders that target ripening fruit early, often before it is fully ripe. Pigeons and doves cause some of the most widespread damage in kitchen gardens, stripping brassica leaves and pulling up seedlings. This netting addresses both.
Fruit trees
Cherries are among the most vulnerable crops: robins and blackbirds will strip a tree within days of fruit coloring. Cover trees two to three weeks before fruit begins to ripen, before birds identify the crop as a food source. This netting also protects peaches, apricots, plums, nectarines, apples (particularly early-ripening varieties), pears, and figs.
Berries and vines
Grapes, currants, gooseberries, and elderberries are all targeted by blackbirds and thrushes once they begin to sweeten. For grape vines, install netting at veraison (when berries begin to change color). Currant and gooseberry bushes can be fully enclosed with a cage-style setup or have netting draped directly over them.
Vegetables
Wood pigeons and collared doves are the primary threat to kitchen garden vegetables. They feed in flocks, often early in the morning, and can decimate a bed of brassicas, peas, or beans in a single visit. This netting is well suited to covering raised beds, low hoops, and vegetable frames for crops including tomatoes, sweet corn, peas, lettuce and leafy greens, brassicas, and peppers.
Seeds and seedlings
Newly seeded lawns and young vegetable seedlings are particularly vulnerable in spring. Blackbirds scratch and dig at freshly turned soil, and pigeons pull up seedlings as soon as they emerge. A single layer of 3/4" netting over seed beds and seedling trays provides effective coverage during the most critical growth stage.
Other applications
Ponds and aquaculture
Herons, cormorants, and larger predatory birds are effectively deterred by 3/4" mesh stretched over ponds and small aquaculture setups. The knotted construction handles the tension required to span larger water surfaces without sagging. For ponds over 2 m wide, suspend the netting from perimeter stakes or a cable system and keep it taut to prevent larger birds from pushing through from above.
Orchards and allotments
For larger growing areas, the 3/4" mesh strikes a practical balance between protection and manageability. It is light enough to drape over individual trees or suspend across entire rows, and the green color blends into orchard and allotment settings without being conspicuous.
Installation tips
Suspend the netting above plants rather than laying it directly on them. Larger birds like pigeons are persistent and will push through loosely draped netting to reach fruit underneath. A clearance of at least 15 cm (6") between the net and the crop reduces this risk. Secure all edges at ground level with garden staples, pegs, or stones to prevent access from below.
Install before fruit ripens
Once birds identify a crop as a food source they become persistent and harder to deter. Install netting two to three weeks before fruit is expected to ripen, while it is still unripe and unattractive to birds.
Material
This netting is made from UV-treated knotted nylon. Nylon is stronger than polypropylene and polyethylene alternatives, with higher resistance to tearing and abrasion. The knotted construction creates firm junctions at each mesh intersection, distributing tension evenly across the net. This makes it well suited to larger installations where the netting is under sustained load from wind, debris, or animals pushing against it.
Knotted vs. knotless
Unlike extruded knotless netting where a single damaged strand can allow a tear to spread, knotted construction contains damage at each junction. A cut or worn section stays local rather than propagating across the net, which extends the practical working life of the netting.
How long will it last?
With seasonal use and proper off-season storage, this netting lasts 5 to 10 growing seasons. At the end of each season, remove it, rinse off debris and bird droppings, fold loosely, and store in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight. Nylon is more susceptible to UV degradation than HDPE when left outdoors year-round, so seasonal storage makes a significant difference to lifespan.
Reuse for 5 to 10 seasons
Rinse the netting before storing and check for any damage at the end of each season. Small tears in knotted netting can be tied off with twine to prevent them from widening before the next use.
Heavy-duty netting: reuse it for up to 5-10 seasons
Heavy-duty netting: reuse it for up to 5-10 seasons
