Make Your Yard Deer Resistant
Deer munching on our beloved trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals is often a problem many people face throughout the year. Though, there are many things you can do to discourage these four-legged critters from feasting in your yard. It is important to use a mixture of strategies, as deer will become accustomed to various deterrents and once they reach a certain “comfort level”, if you will, they will ignore the deterrents, so mix it up! Read on to learn more…
Plant Deer Resistant Plants
We all know if deer are hungry enough, they may munch on even the most “deer resistant” plants on the market. Though, these plants aren’t those they fancy, so they are most likely going to walk right by them. Also keep in mind that deer can (and will!) adapt to most any available food source, especially during the spring when shoots are tender, in severe drought situations when plant life may not be as readily available, or in areas that are over populated. At the end of this article, you will find an extensive selection of Deer Resistant Plants, broken down by plant type. Though, if you do not have your list with you while shopping, keep in mind these important tips:
- Select plants with strong aromatic qualities. Deer rarely eat these type of plants.
- Choose plants that have a rough, course texture or hairy-like surface.
- Choose plants that have a milky sap-like substance or a bitter taste.
- Mass plant or plant multiple varieties of deer resistant plants to create an area that deer will bypass.
- Intermingle “must have” deer prone plants with deer resistant plants. For example, plant Miscanthus grass in between roses. Deer do not like the grass foliage in their faces and will often bypass the cherished roses.
- Select aggressive growing plants that can withstand some browsing.
Spray Plants
You can choose to spray your plants with commercial repellant products or if you have time, make a homemade remedy to try. We have a nice selection of commerical repellants available at Fairview. It should be noted that sprays are most effective when applied immediately after your plants are planted or when new foliage begins to emerge in the spring. Repeat sprays are required throughout the year.
Homemade Deer Spray Recipes:
– Blend three eggs with one cup of water then add to a gallon of water. Apply spray to dry foliage. This spray should last about three to four weeks, even with rain or irrigation.
– Mix one small bottle of hot pepper sauce with one gallon of water and one tablespoon of liquid soap or vegetable oil. Apply every one to two weeks, or as needed after rain.
– Blood meal (available in our Garden Center) can be applied around plants or mixed in water and sprayed on the plants. Apply every one to two weeks, or as needed after rain.
Hang Noisy and Shiny Objects
– The old fashioned toy the slinky can be hung near deer-prone plants. It serves both as a noisy and shiny object that deer will often avoid.
– Hang tin cans or pie pans.
– Consider playing a radio in your garden from time to time.
Other Options to Consider
– String fishing lines at various heights along a wooded area or in an area that is known for high deer traffic (make sure it is readily detectable by humans!). The theory is that deer will not try to cross something they cannot see but can feel.
– Put up a fence. Net fence options are relatively inexpensive and somewhat see through. Though, it should be noted that fencing under eight feet is usually ineffective. Deer will often avoid jumping a fence if they cannot gauge the width or see where they will land. Consider constructing a slanted fence or a solid structure.
– Man’s best friend: Get a dog. A dog that frequently patrols your yard is quite possibly one of the most effective deer deterrents.
| Deer Resistant Perennials
ACANTHUS Bears Breech Deer Resistant Vines CLEMATIS Clematis |
Deer Resistant Shrubs
Abelia spp. Abelia Deer Resistant Trees ACER RUBRUM Red Maple Deer Resistant Annuals Boston Ivy |
Good Luck!
Fairview Greenhouses & Garden Center