How to Protect Your Bald Cypress Tree from Birds

Bald cypress trees (Taxodium distichum) make a gorgeous addition to landscapes with their feathery, delicate foliage and attractive pyramidal form. However, these stately trees also attract the attention of birds who can potentially damage branches, leaves, and bark. If you’ve noticed pesky birds snacking on your bald cypress or making themselves at home in its branches, there are ways to safely and humanely deter them from treating your tree like a bird feeder.

Common Bird Pests of Bald Cypress Trees

Several species of birds tend to frequent bald cypress trees, especially if the tree is isolated in an open landscape. Birds you may encounter include

• Cedar waxwings – Feed on fruits and berries as well as insects; will eat bald cypress cones and nest in branches,

• Robins – Often feed on the ground below the tree, but will nest in cypress foliage.

• Woodpeckers – Drill holes in trunks and branches seeking insects; can severely damage bark.

• Sparrows – Build nests in branches and feed on buds, seeds, and bald cypress pollen cones.

• Crows – Very destructive birds that strip bark, tear at foliage and limbs. Will also nest in upper branches.

While birds play important roles in ecosystems, an overabundance nesting and feeding in your tree can quickly become detrimental to its health. Implementing some bird deterrents can help send hungry birds looking elsewhere for food and shelter.

Effective Bird Control Methods for Bald Cypress Trees

Physical Barriers

Installing physical barriers can prevent birds from accessing parts of the bald cypress:

• Netting – Enclose foliage with bird netting to keep birds from nesting in branches or feeding on leaves, buds, and cones.

• Wire mesh collars – Wrap hardware cloth around the trunk and vulnerable branches to deter woodpeckers from damaging the bark.

• Scare tape – Hang flashing reflective tape around the tree to scare off skittish birds. The flickering, crinkly tape creates an uncomfortable environment.

Repellents

Applying tactile or sensory repellents can make areas of the tree unpleasant for birds:

• Tacky gels – These non-toxic, sticky substances applied to branches, trunks, and ledges deter bird’s nest-building and perching. The texture makes birds uncomfortable. Reapply after rain.

• Hot pepper spray – Mixing ground cayenne or other chili peppers with water creates an irritating but harmless repellent. Reapply after rain.

• Scent repellents – Sprays made with essential oils like clove, lemongrass, or eucalyptus can deter birds with strong odors. Avoid getting on desired plants.

• Predator effigies – Placing fake owls, snakes, or hawks near the tree taps into birds’ instinctual fear of predators. Move effigies regularly so birds don’t catch on.

Noise Repellents

Sounds and vibrations that startle birds create an unpleasant environment:

• Motion-activated sprinklers – These sprinklers activate and shoot bursts of water when birds land on the tree, scaring them away while conserving water.

• Sonic and ultrasonic devices – These emit high-frequency sounds, inaudible to humans, that repel birds. Place multiple devices to cover the whole tree.

• Scare eye balloons – These helium balloons have large “eye” designs thatdeter birds when swaying and bobbing in the wind.

• Banging pots and pans – While not a permanent solution, making loud noises when you first see birds in the tree can help “train” them to avoid your yard.

Bird-Friendly Habitat Modifications

Sometimes the key is making your landscape less enticing to troublesome bird species:

• Remove additional food sources like bird feeders, berries, and flowering plants near the tree.

• Ensure trash and food waste is secured in closed bins birds can’t access.

• Let ground vegetation grow tall below the bald cypress to reduce ground-feeding activity under the tree.

• Trim branches to increase visibility, removing dense areas birds can hide in.

• Plant shrubs and smaller trees nearby to provide alternative shelter and nesting sites.

When to Call a Professional

Serious woodpecker damage, large bird infestations, or hazardous nesting areas may require professional removal and exclusion solutions. Arborists can assess damage and identify protected species to ensure you follow regulations.

If birds have habitat protected under state or federal laws, professionals can humanely evict them at appropriate times outside nesting season. They also have access to advanced bird deterrents and exclusion methods.

Achieve Long-Term Bald Cypress Protection

Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to protecting your beautiful bald cypress tree. Follow these practices for optimal bird control:

• Inspect regularly for signs of bird damage like stripped bark or nests building up. Address issues immediately before they escalate.

• Use multiple deterrents together – like netting, a tactile gel, and predator effigies – for greater effectiveness.

• Start control early before birds become entrenched and protective of nests.

• Persistence is key. Birds can become resistant, so change up techniques occasionally.

• Time applications carefully. Use repellents before nesting season begins.

By taking proactive steps to safeguard your bald cypress, you can discourage all but the most stubborn birds from making themselves at home. Implement humane but consistent bird management, and your tree will remain protected from damage while also providing a lovely visual feature in your landscape.