In order to live with a smaller population of deer, we need to learn to adapt to the environment so that the deer will not be welcomed in our backyards. This means changing what we grow around your property. If the deer find food they like they will remain close by. As long as there is food to eat deer will continue to reproduce out of control. Killing a few deer will not stop the remaining deer from eating your plants!

Planting shrubs, trees and flowers the deer find distasteful is a smart way to design a deer proof garden. Do not choose plants the deer love to eat like Hosta, Tulips, Roses, Lilies, English Ivy, Azaleas and Yew, unless you are prepared to spray repellents more frequently.

There are excellent repellent sprays on the market for existing plants the deer might be nibbling on. Sprays like Liquid Fence,  Deer Away Big Game Repellent, Tree Guard,  and Deer Out work very well when reapplied as directed and after heavy rain. They can be found at local garden centers.

Many people forget to spray evergreens in the winter when deer are the hungriest and buds in spring time are a real treat for deer, so spray more often then. Spraying year round trains the deer to avoid areas you want them to stay away from.

Protect small trees from buck rubs in the fall and winter by putting corrugated sleeves on the trunks.

Aromatic foliage like commonly cultivated herbs we use in cooking are disliked by deer and can be planted among more vulnerable plants to protect them.

Deer seem to stay clear of plants that are fuzzy like Lamb’s Ear, Foxglove and Black-eyed Susan.

Thorns, spines, and needles provide clues that these choices are generally deer resistant. Hard, needle type foliage found on many evergreens such as Spruce and Pine provide very good protection from the deer.

And remember, gardeners have observed that deer rarely eat plants that produce yellow flowers. Here’s a larger list of deer resistance plants.

Another very effective long term option, yet costly, is fencing.  It can be installed in all terrains and over areas large or small. It can be solid or invisible, man-made or natural hedges.

·         Living Fences may take a few years to grow but using hedges that are unappealing to deer may be the most attractive fencing alternative.

·         Living Fences Combined with Pre-Fab Mesh uses plants that ARE appealing to deer. Mesh is attached to posts that enclose the row of plants. Deer nibble on branches that extend through the mesh giving them a manicured appearance.

·         Single Strand Wire is a recently developed technique. This effective yet easily installed and visually unobtrusive fence consists of sisal hemp taunt on posts 18” from the ground. The posts are spaced about 8’ apart.

·         Mesh Netting draped over plants or attached to posts, provides an excellent barrier.

·         Solid Fences work well because the deer won't jump where they cannot see.

·         Electric Fences provide an excellent barrier yet maintenance is essential.

·         High Fences of 8 feet or more constructed of woven wire mesh with posts to add additional footage is one of the best solutions for deer protection.

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