shade cloth cover over fruit trees good idea or not?

Question

I live in Los Banos. Moved here from San Jose 3 yrs ago. Weather and sun get very hot, over 100, a lot of days in summer. My trees are getting burned by the sun. Thinking of getting a sun shade cloth for over my metal gazebo (20ft x 20ft) and planting my citrus trees under it. Good idea or bad? If good, what strength – 40%, 50%, 60%, or 70%. Direct sun fruit dropping, new growth burning. Need suggestions. Thanks.

Answer 1

I think that a shade cloth is a good idea and would work well to help alleviate the problem. How much shade I would not be very helpful with as I am not familiar with your exact area. I would recommend giving your local extension service a call and asking them what they would recommend. They would know what would be best for your exact area and will be thrilled to help.