Objective: To evaluate the influence of living and dead covers on the yield and quality of rambutan fruits (Nephelium lappaceum L.) in Soconusco, Chiapas, Mexico. Design / methodology / approach: Five treatments were evaluated, two live covers, two dead covers and an always clean control without covers. The following were evaluated: plant height, crown volume, fruit quality, fruit yield (t ha-1). The data were analyzed under a randomized block experimental design. Results: All the agroecological modalities of hedging evaluated produced fruits with the quality required for national and international commercialization. Study limitations / implications: The morphological and physiological response of the crop can change with the age of the tree. Findings / conclusions: An agroecological management strategy is presented to develop rambutan cultivation in Soconusco region.