Question:

What is the best way to protect fruit trees from birds eating the "not quite ripe" fruit? Also, any suggestions to keep the squirrels out of the trees so they can't eat fruit either? 

Answer:

Traditionally, bird netting has provided the best protection from birds for fruit trees and berry bushes. If you have a tree full of fruit—which is basically nature’s way of enticing birds to eat and disperse tree seeds—it can be difficult to keep the birds away with anything less than a physical barrier such as netting. If a bird is really motivated to get at the food source, they may ignore visual bird deterrents that might otherwise distract them. In some cases, depending on the bird species you are dealing with, using a bird deterrent sonic system  to broadcast species-specific alarm calls may deter the birds for awhile. But once birds decide that your fruit is their food, netting is probably the most effective deterrent you can use.