Deer Resistant Landscaping
Fawn
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Adorable as gawky little spotted fawns are, adult deer are something else again—to gardeners! Big-eyed and graceful, it may be a thrill to see a deer standing in your yard, but the damage they do makes hard-hearted foes out of many plant lovers. Not only do deer sample every new item they find, but the bucks love to rub the velvet from their antlers—with little regard for the wounds they inflict on trees and shrubs. Young tender plants are an open invitation to lunch. Unfortunately, there are few sure-fire solutions.
Very few plants are truly deer resistant. The deer find some species less appetizing than others, but if they are hungry—when their natural range is stressed by drought or development pressures—they will eat almost anything they can find. During a severe drought here a few years ago, even old, thorny barberry was munched. A new, well-planted yard is like a buffet table laid out just for the deer! There are some plants that are less favored by deer than others. Deer usually avoid plants with strong aromas--herbs like lavender or rosemary. They seldom eat heathers, although they will break them down, walking over them. Some trees seem less inviting for browse than others, although few escape antler damage. Less appetizing are Cedars, Firs, Ginkgo, Chamaecyparis species, Oaks, and Redwoods. Salal, Daphne, Mexican Orange, Junipers, Holly, Sumac and Snowberry are among the shrubs less often munched. One technique that helps is spraying the plants with a deer repellent substance. Current research indicates the commercially available, rotten-egg products are good, but some hot pepper sprays also work. Most of these substances have to be re-applied after a rain, or after irrigation sprinklers are turned on. Part of their value, however, is in keeping the deer from getting in the habit of stopping by your place for a snack.
Fencing, either your whole yard, or individual plants, prevents damage to the trunk and stems, and defoliation. Stiff fencing, cut to go around the perimeter of the plant, can be used until the plant is large enough to withstand animal depredation. Tree wrap, or plastic trunk protectors prevent rub damage, but not foliage. Lightweight netting—shade cloth, nylon sheer net or light chicken wire—is useful over ground covers or young flowerbeds. Deer don’t like materials that interfere with their footing. If you have enough space, a double fence seems to work well. A four to six foot fence built with a second fence five to eight feet away interferes with the deer’s jumping pattern. Or put in a full, seven-foot or higher, fence around your garden.
Success has been reported using movement sensor devices to turn on sprinklers, radios, or lights. An alert dog is often a deterrent. There are probably as many ideas for discouraging deer, as there are gardeners who have deer in their yards, and most of these ideas work part of the time. The persons who find a real solution, will have their fortune made!
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