Managing Deer in Landscape

Managing deer in a landscape can be challenging, especially in areas where deer populations are high and human-wildlife interactions are common. Deer can cause significant damage to gardens, crops, and landscaping, so it's important to implement strategies that balance deer presence with human needs.

Exclusion and Physical Barriers

• Fencing
  • Deer Fencing: Install tall fences (at least 8 feet high) around gardens, orchards, and other sensitive areas. Deer can jump over shorter fences, so height is crucial.
  • Electric Fences: Electric fences can be effective in deterring deer, especially when baited with food that delivers a mild shock. Ensure the fence is properly maintained and follow safety guidelines.
  • Temporary Fencing: Use temporary fencing, such as mesh or netting, to protect specific plants or small areas during peak feeding seasons.
• Tree Guards
  • Install tree guards or wraps around the trunks of young or vulnerable trees to prevent deer from rubbing their antlers or feeding on the bark.
• Plant Protection
  • Cages and Netting: Place cages or netting around individual plants, shrubs, or small trees to protect them from browsing deer.
  • Raised Beds: Consider using raised garden beds with fencing or netting to protect vegetables and flowers from deer.

Repellents

• Commercial Repellents
  • Apply commercial deer repellents to plants and shrubs. These products usually contain ingredients that have strong odors or unpleasant tastes that deer avoid. Reapply after rain or as needed.
  • Types of Repellents: Look for products with ingredients like putrescent egg solids, garlic, hot pepper, or predator urine. Rotate between different types to prevent deer from getting used to them.
• Homemade Repellents
  • Homemade repellents can include mixtures of soap, garlic, hot pepper, or eggs. While not as effective as commercial products, they can provide temporary relief.
  • Scent Barriers: Hang bars of strongly scented soap or human hair around the garden to deter deer. The smell can create a barrier, although effectiveness varies.

Plant Selection

• Deer-Resistant Plants
  • Choose plants that are less appealing to deer. While no plant is completely deer-proof, some species are less likely to be browsed. Examples include:
    • Perennials: Lavender, yarrow, daffodils, and peonies.
    • Shrubs: Boxwood, juniper, and spirea.
    • Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and sage.
    • Trees: Spruce, fir, and ginkgo.
• Strategic Planting
  • Place deer-resistant plants on the perimeter of your garden to act as a natural barrier for more vulnerable plants inside.
  • Mix and Match: Combine deer-resistant plants with more vulnerable ones to make the latter less conspicuous.

Habitat Modification

• Reduce Attractiveness
  • Remove or limit the availability of food sources that attract deer, such as fallen fruits, acorns, or dense underbrush.
• Open Spaces
  • Deer are more hesitant to enter open spaces where they feel exposed. Create open areas around your property by trimming back vegetation and keeping lawns mowed.
• Deer-Proof Landscaping
  • Avoid planting high-preference deer foods like hostas, tulips, and arborvitae near the edges of your property. Instead, place them closer to your home or within fenced areas.

Scare Tactics and Deterrents

• Motion-Activated Devices
  • Install motion-activated sprinklers, lights, or noise makers that activate when deer approach. These sudden stimuli can scare deer away.
• Visual Deterrents
  • Use reflective tape, streamers, or scarecrows to create visual disturbances. Deer may become accustomed to these over time, so it’s effective to rotate or move them periodically.