blueberry bushes — covering

Question

First, I don’t know the gardening zone as the question pertains to my mother’s place in Chicopee, Massachusetts. Second, for decades, my dad raised 5 blueberry bushes which produced incredibly large amounts of great blueberries. He passed away four years ago and my brother and I, along with my 91 year old mom, maintain the bushes. Throughout the time we’ve had the bushes, we have covered them during the peak season so that birds wouldn’t eat them. It’s becoming a huge job. I have started to wonder: In that farmers raise blueberries and don’t cover them, is it really necessary to do so? How much of a loss of produce will there be without covering the bushes? They’re almost ripening, so it’s time to do this onerous task. I’d appreciate an answer ASAP! Thanks very much!

Answer 1

Most people don’t cover them unless the birds are already a problem. For additional help with birds, this article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/fegen/protect-fruit-tree-birds.htm