If you live in an area with many deer, you know how frustrating it can be to see your beautiful garden plants eaten to the ground. You can do a few things to keep deer out of your garden.
Deer are a common problem for gardeners, as they can destroy a carefully cultivated garden in few minutes. If you live in an area with a high deer population, you know how frustrating it can be to battle these pesky creatures constantly.
But you can do a few things to keep deer out of your garden.
What kind of Animal is a Deer?
Deer are a type of hoofed mammal that is part of the family Cervidae, which also includes elk, reindeer, and moose.
Deer are found worldwide in a variety of habitats, and their diets depend on their location and the season.
Deer are herbivores and eat leaves, grasses, and other plant matter.
What Plants are Deer Resistant?
Many beautiful deer-resistant plants can add color and interest to your garden.
These include :
- 1. Lupines,
- 2. Irises,
- 3. Daylilies,
- 4. Black-Eyed Susans, and
- 5. Catmint.
Each of these plants has unique features that make them unappealing to deer.
For example, lupines have a furry texture that deer don’t like, and catmint has a strong fragrance that deters them.
By adding a variety of deer-resistant plants to your garden, you can create a lovely space that is also deer-proof!
10 Tips How To Keep Deer Out of Your Garden
Here are a few tips on How To Keep Deer Out of Your Garden.
1. Plants that deer don’t like
If you have a garden, chances are you’ve had problems with deer.
Here are a few plants that deer don’t like, so you can keep your garden looking beautiful.
- Lavender – Deer don’t seem to like the smell of lavender, so planting some around your garden can help keep them away.
- Rosemary – Another plant with a strong scent, rosemary, can be a great deer-deterrent.
- Chrysanthemums – Deer don’t like the taste of chrysanthemums, so planting them in your garden can help keep them from eating your other plants.
2. Use a fence in your garden
If you want to add a little privacy to your garden, keep deer from entering your park, or break up the space a bit, using a fence is a great option.
There are many different types and styles of fences to choose from, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget.
Plus, installing a fence is a relatively easy DIY project.
Types of Deer Fencing :
A deer fence is a physical barrier that exclude deer from an area. Several types of deer fencing exist, including:
- Bamboo fencing
- Electric fencing
- Live fencing, and
- Mesh fencing
Each type of deer fencing has its own advantages and disadvantages that should be considered before installation.
3. Use motion-activated sprinklers
If you have a home with a yard, you know the importance of keeping the grass green and healthy.
But, sometimes, it can be a hassle to remember to turn the sprinklers on and off.
Thankfully, there’s a solution: motion-activated sprinklers.
Motion-activated sprinklers are a great way to keep your yard looking its best without remembering to turn the sprinklers on and off.
They’re also great for saving water, as they’ll only turn on when they sense movement.
So, if you’re looking for an easy and efficient way to water your yard, motion-activated sprinklers are the way to go.
This will deter animals from entering your garden, but it can also help keep your plants healthy and hydrated.
4. Use Commercial Deer Repellents
If you’re looking for a way to keep deer out of your garden, you may consider using a commercial deer repellent.
These products are designed to discourage deer from eating your plants, and they come in a variety of formulations.
Some repellents are applied to the foliage of plants, while others are sprayed around the perimeter of your property.
Deer repellents typically contain one or more active ingredients, such as putrescent egg solids, that deer find unpleasant.
There are several commercial deer repellents available on the market today. Some of the most popular brands are :
- Bobbex
- Hinder, and
- Repellex
These products work by emitting a scent that deer find offensive, and they will typically avoid areas where these products have been applied.
5. Hire a Deer-Proofing Company
When deer invade your property, they can cause severe damage. From eating your gardens to trampling your flowers, deer can wreak havoc on your landscape.
The best way to protect your property is to hire a deer-proofing company.
In addition to specializing in creating barriers that prevent deer from entering your garden. Other benefits of a deer-proofing company are:
- Keep deer out of your garden
- Keep deer from eating your flowers
- Keep deer from trampling your garden
- Keep deer from sleeping in your garden
- For peace of mind knowing that deer won’t damage your property
6. Remove Attractants
Deer are a common sight in many yards and gardens, and while they may be beautiful to look at, they can wreak havoc on your landscaping.
One way to deter deer from coming onto your property is to remove attractants.
Attractants are anything that may attract deer to your yard, such as :
- Fruit trees
- Gardens
- Bird feeders
By removing these attractants, you can make your property much less appealing to deer and hopefully keep them away.
7. Use Physical Barriers
If you want to keep deer away from your property, one of the best things you can do is erect physical barriers.
Deer are strong jumpers, so a fence at least 8 feet tall is necessary. You can also use deer netting, a type of fencing explicitly made to keep deer out.
8. Frightening Devices
Many frightening devices on the market are designed to keep deer away.
Some of these devices use high-pitched noises or bright flashes of light to startle deer and deter them from entering your yard or garden.
Other devices emit a foul-smelling odor that deer find offensive. Still, other devices use these methods to keep deer away.
Such as :
- Plastic bags
- Tape
- Fencing
- Scarecrows
- Sprinklers
- Dogs
- Cats
- Barn owls
9. Put Lots of Guard Dogs in your Garden
If you live in an area with many deer, you may have considered putting lots of guard dogs in your garden to protect your plants.
But before you do, there are a few things you should know.
First, not all dogs are created equal when deer deterrence.
Some breeds, like the Akita, are known for their hunting instincts and may view deer as prey.
Other breeds, like Labrador Retrievers, were bred to assist hunters and may also be more likely to see deer as a potential threat.
Second, even the best guard dogs need to be trained appropriately to deter deer effectively.
Without proper training, your dog may chase after deer or inadvertently scare them.
10. Putting a Floodlights
Deer are naturally shy animals, and the power of Floodlights can be enough to keep them away for good.
Floodlights are an effective deer deterrent, but they’re also relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
If you’re looking for a way to keep deer away from your property, floodlights are a great option.
Conclusion
Deer are individual animals with different preferences, so what may deter one deer may not work for another.
However, using some of these deer deterrents may be more effective.
Applying some of How To Keep Deer Out of Your Garden tips before deer becomes a big problem for you is the best way to prevent damage to your vegetation, property, and gardens.
FAQ :
What Smell will Repel Deer?
Using smells that deer dislike can effectively repel them. Some of these smells include marigolds, putrescent egg solids, mint, wolf urine, tansy, garlic, thyme, oregano, sage, rosemary, and lavender.
Do Coffee Grounds Deter Deer?
Although there is no scientific evidence that coffee grounds will deter deer, the bitter smell of spent coffee grounds may signal to deer that humans are nearby and keep them away from your property.
Deer have a strong sense of smell, which they use to find accessible food sources.
By placing coffee grounds around your property, you may be able to keep deer away.
Does Human Urine Repel Deer?
Human urine can also be used as a deer deterrent. There are a few reasons why human urine works to deter deer.
First, the scent is unpleasant to deer and will keep them away.
Second, urine contains nitrogen, which can be beneficial for plants.
Finally, applying urine around the perimeter of a garden will create a physical barrier that deer will not cross.
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If you have any other suggestions for how to keep deer out of your garden, please share them in the comments below.
Thank you for helping to make our gardens more enjoyable for everyone!
Rico S. Locke is a highly skilled gardening expert with over 15 years of experience in the field. He is well-known for his expertise in sustainable gardening practices and his ability to create beautiful and functional outdoor spaces.
