Protecting Your Garden from Browsing Deer
October 2001
By Mary Bernard, Master
Gardener
Plant damage due to browsing deer is a frequent complaint of
While no one control method is completely infallible, a combination of
strategies will help reduce the amount of damage to your plants. Take action at the first sign of a problem -
it is difficult to break well-established feeding patterns.
Avoid plant species that are attractive to deer. They find some plants hard to resist - many
flowering plants, including roses and fruit trees, are among their
favorites. Other kinds of plants are unpalatable
to them, and will usually be left alone.
If they are hungry enough, they may be reduced to eating even those
plants that are said to be “deer resistant”.
Exclusion methods involve the use of physical barriers to prevent browsing
activity. Tall, sturdy fences or
electric fencing provide effective barriers, but can be an expensive and
ambitious undertaking. Netting, plastic
tree-protectors, chicken wire or hog wire cages around individual plants are
reasonable alternatives. Floating row
covers over vegetable garden plantings also provide protection.
Frightening measures involve threatening or scaring deer away. Barking dogs or sudden loud noises intimidate
deer. Mechanical scaring devices, such
as a motion sensor “scarecrow” with pulsating sprinkler can be effective as
well. Deer may eventually catch on to
some other gimmicks and devices, however, as they realize that they can’t harm
them.
Repellants deter browsing deer by either odor or taste. Commercial repellants have a foul odor that
can be effective if used properly.
Always follow product package instructions for best results. They should be reapplied after rain. Repellants may not be successful over a
period of time, however. As deer grow
accustomed to the odor, they feel less intimidated and repellants
become less effective.
Be persistent! A combination of
strategies usually works best. The
problem may not be eliminated entirely.
Often a reduction of damage is your best hope of success.
Remember - wild animals exist as a vital part of the ecology in
Gardeners may adapt defensive techniques to keep them at bay, but animal life
can also add pleasure and interest to outdoor living. The charm and beauty of the country setting
(of which deer are a part) is what attracted many of us to