[header] How to protect your cherry trees from birds [title] Start when birds begin to show. [step] Keep track of bird sightings in your garden or orchard, either with a formal count or by intuition. Once the number of birds starts to grow, and the fruit shows the first hint of color, it's time to protect the trees. 
[substeps] These scare tactics are very effective, but only last a few weeks. Starting too early may leave your trees vulnerable later, once the birds are used to your tactics.