[Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page

[Dick Gross]

I lose a few to woodpeckers, too, Ed, but three times the amount fall on the 
ground from this thirty year old productive tree. But, considering the 
insects the woodpeckers consume, I consider it a fair tradeoff.

If your tree is only 6 or 7 feet tall, netting is very effective but keep in 
mind you have to make a way to get inside to pick and close it off when you 
leave. Branches grow through it and, once it is ingrown, you will cuss it 
for the rest of your life. Covering a small tree is a pain. Covering a large 
one is a nightmare that I would endure only if I had an irrisistable thirst 
for grapefruit and the nearest Safeway was in Tucson. If your tree is 
properly irrigated and fertilized you will be blessed a crop that will 
saturate your cupboard, your neighbors and support the flock as well.

Dick Gross, Master Gardener Volunteer
University of Arizona Maricopa County
Cooperative Extension
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <edkertman at cox.net>
To: <arid_gardener at Ag.arizona.edu>
Sent: Thursday, October 26, 2006 1:25 PM
Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page


> Ed Kertman
> 85259
> edkertman at cox.net
>
> Every year we lose a dozen or so grapefruit from our tree to woodpeckers. 
> This usually starts in Jan or Feb.  We are already losing fruit now 
> unfortunately.  Is there some way to keep the woodpeckers away from the 
> tree other than putting a net over it?
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Arid_gardener mailing list
> Arid_gardener at CALS.arizona.edu
> http://CALS.arizona.edu/mailman2/listinfo/arid_gardener
>