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Orchard Success Hinges on Netting & Smart Planting Seasons for Cherries

Establishing a productive cherry orchard in Victoria, Australia demands careful consideration of two critical elements: effective netting and strategic planting seasons.


a sturdy frame with netting to prevent birds and wildlife from getting to plants and trees

Why Netting is Non-Negotiable for Your Cherry Orchard:


Ignoring netting is essentially inviting significant crop loss. Birds are relentless in their pursuit of ripe cherries, and other pests can also cause substantial damage. Investing in quality cherry netting provides a vital physical barrier, ensuring:

  • Maximised Harvest: Protecting your investment and yielding a higher quantity of marketable fruit.

  • Improved Fruit Quality: Preventing pecking and damage that can lead to rot and lower-grade cherries.

  • Reduced Pest Control: Minimising the need for chemical interventions, benefiting the environment and your fruit.

  • Compliance: Adhering to local regulations regarding wildlife-safe netting mesh sizes.


a man putting netting on trees in an orchards

Leveraging Planting Seasons for a Strong Foundation:


The timing of planting is equally crucial for the long-term health and productivity of your cherry orchard. Planting during the optimal planting season – typically late autumn to early spring in Victoria – offers several advantages:

  • Root Establishment: Allowing young trees to establish strong root systems before the stresses of summer.

  • Reduced Transplant Shock: Dormant trees are less susceptible to the stress of being moved and replanted.

  • Efficient Growth: Enabling trees to focus energy on root development before the demands of leaf and fruit production.



A Good Cherry Orchard Strategy:


A successful cherry orchard strategy integrates these two key aspects. Planning your planting during the correct seasons lays the groundwork for healthy, vigorous trees. Subsequently, implementing effective cherry netting at the appropriate time safeguards your hard work and ensures a rewarding harvest. Neglecting either netting or understanding the planting season significantly jeopardizes the potential of your cherry orchard.


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