As “edge species,” deer can be found on the boundary of forests and open areas, such as grasslands, meadows, and even your perfectly manicured yard. Suburban and urban deer herds are known for wreaking havoc on neighboring plants and trees.
As deer populations rise to epic proportions, property owners need deer-proofing strategies that go beyond deer-resistant plants since no plant is truly deer-proof when they have no other options. Consider these creative deer-proofing techniques to protect and maintain your yard.
No Plants Are Deer-Resistant
It is important to remember that no plants are immune to the tastes or the appetites of deer. Several plants are relatively deer-proof, but that is not to say deer will not eat them. Hungry deer can feast on plants they would normally trot by.
If you want to keep deer away from certain plants, these are a few plant traits that may deter deer:
- Plants with brambles or prickly foliage (bear’s breeches, Cardoon, sea hollies, globe thistle)
- Plants with fuzzy leaves (lamb’s ear, tuberous begonias, flowering tobacco, Siberian bugloss, lady’s mantle, heliotrope, poppies, yarrow)
- Plants with strong aromas and flavors (garlic, mint, rosemary, lavender, etc.). Deer rely heavily on their sense of smell.
- Poisonous plants that emit a toxic sap are the only plants deer will not eat but require caution if you have pets.
Ornamental grasses can be a small portion of a deer’s diet, but they mainly gravitate toward flowering and woody plants. For this reason, you can incorporate these grasses into your deer-proof garden.
Ultimately, deer behavior depends on various factors, including region, season, and food availability. Even if you have done everything you can to plant deer-resistant plants, they are all on the menu if deer have nothing else to eat.
Hardscape Design
If you are designing a deer-resistant landscape from scratch, consider the hardscape around your property, yard, and garden. Incorporate pathways, decks, patios, garden walls, fire pits, arbors, and other hardscape ideas that are less vulnerable to deer damage. These can create a cohesive and attractive look, even if there is nearby plant, shrub, and tree damage.
Choosing Deer-Resistant Plants
While deer can nibble on pretty much anything if they are hungry enough, there are creative ways to not only deter deer but also make deer damage less noticeable. One of the best ways to create a deer-resistant yard is by centering your design around a color scheme.
Choosing a color scheme can help you narrow down an extensive list of deer-resistant plants. In addition, having a color scheme helps your yard retain symmetry and order even if deer decide to feed on a few leaves.
When considering color schemes, look at nature for inspiration. A sunset has a range of warm colors, while a forest might conjure cooler hues. After choosing a color scheme, plant in drifts. Focusing on only a few plant groupings in your yard can make minor deer damage imperceptible.
For a comprehensive list of deer-resistant plants, refer to Rutgers’ list of landscape plants rated by deer resistance. Plant varieties are rated from A through D based on resistance. Consider plants in the A or B category to reduce the risk of significant deer damage.
Guard Dogs
Having your four-legged best friend patrolling your yard can be an effective way to scare away deer. For example, even if your Golden Retriever seems like a sweetheart, their loud barks can be effective at deterring deer.
If you own a shedding dog breed, you can create a border of dog hair around your yard, garden, or plants. Dog hair carries a scent that can deter deer from exploring the area further. Consider when deer are most active in your area and keep your pup on watch.
Deer Repellent Spray
Spraying deer repellent is a tried-and-true way to protect your most vulnerable plants against deer. If you are absolutely determined to plant plants that are favorites among deer, deer repellent can be an effective way to plant your beloved flower or vegetable gardens despite the threat of deer damage.
Heavy rain can wash off deer spray, meaning you will have to reapply the spray regularly. Even without rain, you will need to reapply every few weeks. Be sure to shake the bottle well before use and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Liquid Fence Deer & Rabbit Repellent, Ready-to-Use, 1 gal.
Certain repellent products, such as Deer Off waterproof deer repellent stations, may work the whole season but are more expensive than traditional sprays. Unlike other deer solutions with a rancid smell, these are odorless to humans. Other deer repellents can come in spray, granular, or concentrate form.
Milorganite
Milorganite is a slow-release, organic fertilizer made from human sewage that has had surprising results as a deer repellant. While it is not marketed as such, Milorganite has been found to act as a deer repellent for ornamental plants in university studies.
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Milorganite, 32 lb.
Milorganite requires regular and timely application. Spread the recommended amount at the base of trees and bushes that deer are known to munch on. In addition, Milorganite can be hung from small cloth bags from a branch or fence.
Deer Rut Damage
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Deers can do more than just snack on your prized flowers and veggies and stomp on your well-maintained lawn. In the fall, male deer can damage tree trunks when you rub their antlers on them, a behavior known as rutting.
During mating season, white-tailed bucks can strip the bark of trees with smooth bark, leaving their scent for female deer. However, rutting can damage the tree’s cambium layer just beneath the bark, which helps transport nutrients and water through the tree.
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Poultry Netting, 12 in. X 50 ft.
An inexpensive way to protect trees on your property is using a barrier system during this short time period. Chicken wire supported by posts or corrugated plastic tubing cut crosswise are affordable materials that can be simple to install when needed.
Motion-Activated Sprinklers
A spritz of water can be just the thing to keep deer from entering your yard. Motion-activated sprinklers can detect animals up to 30-40 feet away, depending on the system.
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Havahart Critter Ridder 5277 Motion-Activated Animal Repellent and Sprinkler
Sprinklers can be aimed at a certain area to protect your vegetable garden, young plants, and other vulnerable foliage. Certain brands use an infrared sensor that can detect deer at night.
Deer Fencing
Building a deer-proof fence can be an effective way to keep deer on the other side of your yard, but it can also distract from the surrounding natural beauty. Not to mention, it can be more expensive than other deer-proofing solutions, and some community guidelines may prohibit certain deer fencing.
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Deer Block Fencing PVC Mesh, Black, 7 ft. X 100 ft.
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Davis Wire, Ranch Hand Deer Fence, 72" x 165'
One creative way to keep your majestic views unobstructed is by using a fishing line around your property. Some property owners can weave fishing lines between trees to deter deer. The fishing line will not be visible to you but will be to deer.
Others have had success protecting with double fence layers. Deer do not like to feel trapped in an enclosed area. A tall picket fence can deter deer and a second fence made of chicken wire or any other affordable material can create a contained space that deer do not like.
A deer fence between six to ten feet tall is one of the only ways to protect your fruit trees, flower beds, and other plants. Stockade fences work well since deer cannot see through them, so nothing is luring them to the other side.
Black mesh deer netting (at least eight feet tall) secured with metal t-bar garden posts or pressure-treated lumber can prevent deer from jumping into your yard. Use long streamers to make deer aware of the “invisible” netting and teach them to move around your fence. Deer netting can also be used to protect the most vulnerable plants, trees, and garden beds.
Electric fences can also be another way to limit your deer problem, however, some municipalities may prohibit them. Check local zoning laws before installing an electric fence. Maintain the fence by removing weeds and plants that can come in contact with the fence and drain the voltage and amperage.
Wilco Farm Stores Can Help Protect Your Yard
Keeping deer out of your yard is easy with the right tools. For the best deer-proofing solutions, shop at Wilco Farm Stores. We carry a variety of affordable and easy-to-use deer-deterring solutions you can use to protect plants on your property.
