Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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stop birds eating grass seed

Seeing birds flock to a freshly seeded lawn is a frustrating experience for any New Zealand gardener. You want that lush green carpet, not a buffet for hungry sparrows and blackbirds. The urge to stop birds eating grass seed is a common one, and with the right strategies, you can protect your investment and encourage strong germination. Whether you're re-establishing your lawn or sowing [Fine Fescue Lawn Seed](/shop/product/grass-seed/fine-fescue-lawn-seed) for a soft, resilient finish, there are effective ways to keep birds away from your new seeds.

Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire)

Beilschmiedia tarairi, commonly known as the Taraire tree, is a unique, NZ native tree. Its prominent feature is the masses of olive-like, purple fruits through autumn and winter, which are favoured by birds. Also of interest are the leaves, which, when young, are covered in red-brown hairs that disappear as the tree ages.

Buy Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire)

From $270.40

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Trees

Height: 18.50 m

Spread: 7.00 m

Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Alpine, Native

Typha orientalis (Raupo) plants with brown seed heads.

Typha orientalis (Raupō)

Typha orientalis, commonly known as Raupo, is a vigorous and erect, NZ native grass. It is found throughout New Zealand in shallow, fertile waters such as sheltered lakes and swamps and will grow in water up to one metre deep. Plants will typically grow to 2.5 m tall and 1 m wide, but will quickly colonise larger areas as the roots spread.

Buy Typha orientalis (Raupō)

From $14.84

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Grasses

Height: 2.50 m

Spread: 1.00 m

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wet

Garden uses: Ponds, Screening

Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Riparian

Why Do Birds Eat Grass Seed?

Birds are naturally attracted to exposed seed on bare soil, finding it an easy source of energy. Some species will pick almost every last grain, leaving you with patchy growth. This can delay or even prevent your new lawn from establishing. Taking steps early on can make all the difference when you want to stop birds eating grass seed and give your lawn the best chance at thriving.

Practical Ways to Stop Birds Eating Grass Seed

Cover With Topsoil or Straw

One of the simplest and most effective methods is to lightly cover the grass seed with a thin layer of topsoil or weed-free straw. This hides the seed from view while still letting sunlight and moisture in. Avoid using thick mulch that may smother delicate seedlings.

Use Bird Netting

Bird netting creates a physical barrier that deters birds from landing and feeding. Peg the netting down securely over the seeded area until shoots emerge. This technique works especially well for larger lawns or areas where persistent birds are a problem.

Water in the Seed

After sowing, watering the area helps grass seed settle into the soil, making it less visible and harder for birds to pick up. Gentle watering also promotes faster germination, so your lawn gets covered more quickly.

Try Temporary Fencing

Short stakes and string or biodegradable tape set up around your lawn can also help stop birds eating grass seed by deterring their approach. Moving shiny objects, like hanging aluminium pie tins or reflective tape, can also spook them.

Choosing the Right Grass Seed

Selecting quality seed with a faster germination rate, such as Fine Fescue Lawn Seed, can also help reduce the window of time birds can impact your lawn. The faster your grass establishes, the less chance birds have to feed.

Combine With Other Landscaping

Diversifying your garden with attractive planting, like native grasses and wetland species, can shift bird attention elsewhere in your landscape. Consider adding resilient and low-maintenance grasses such as Baumea articulata, Typha orientalis (Raupō), or Restio tetraphyllus (Tassel Grass). You might also plant larger trees like Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire) to provide shade and shelter, creating a diverse and healthy environment.

Make Your Lawn a Success

Taking proactive steps to stop birds eating grass seed is the key to a full, vibrant lawn. By using simple deterrents and investing in high-quality seed blends such as Fine Fescue Lawn Seed, you can keep your lawn project on track. For further advice on garden establishment and suitable plant choices for your site, explore our range of grasses, wetland species, and native trees. Happy gardening from your local New Zealand plant experts.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

stop birds eating grass seed

Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire)

Typha orientalis (Raupō)

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Why Do Birds Eat Grass Seed?