Deer and Your Landscape

Deer are ruminants, meaning that they re-chew what they have already swallowed (also known as their cud). This seemingly harmless cousin of the cow causes many dollars in damage to landscape plantings and home gardens. Additionally they harbor the serious tick-borne Lyme's Disease, other human and livestock diseases and are a contributor to many serious traffic accidents.

On a more personal note, I've counted as many as 15 in my small yard. We've seen them looking in the living room window (which accounts for the deer scat less than a foot from my front porch). They've certainly found my hydrangea and garden phlox. They ate the Christmas cactus that I sent outdoors for summer vacation last year, but they left my blueberries alone.

In spite of all of that, they continue to be mesmerizing to watch, especially when there are fawns among them. It's hard to take your eyes away from their big eyes, subtle coloration, and grace in movement. Children especially enjoy getting to see nature this close-up.

In defense of the deer, in many cases we encroach into their habitat. Woodlands are cut, their living space is compressed and natural predators are reduced or eliminated. Warmer winters in some regions have reduced natural deaths in the deer population. Reduced rainfall and snowfall in many areas contributes to drought. The drought, whether summer or winter, makes deer even hungrier and bolder. What better place to feed than our carefully tended yards and gardens?

There are a few measures we can take to reduce damage to our landscapes.

First, here's a quick list of what not to plant: azaleas and rhododendrons, fruit trees, euonymus, roses, hostas and lilies are all delicacies to the deer palate.

Some plants are less appealing to deer. These plants tend to have an odor, taste or texture that deer are not fond of. Sound like a lovely garden? You might be pleasantly surprised by some of the plants on the list. You don't have to resort to a stark, ugly landscape. Try some of these:

SAFETY NOTE: Deer are not as meek as they may seem. In rutting season especially, the males can be quite aggressive, so think twice before you try to chase them out of the yard or sic your dog on them. As any cornered animal will do, they will defend themselves. Antlers and hooves are a combination you really don't want to deal with.

Keeping pests out is one way of preventing damage. Frightening them away is another. You can choose between man-made or natural methods. Use caution however — remember that pets and children may also be affected by these.

Netting - A product specially designed, woven and sized for use as a deer deterrent. Deer netting is easily installed to protect shrubs and trees.

Fencing - Build it at least eight feet high to keep them from jumping over it. If you use a mesh fence, bury it one foot deep for maximum efficiency. Obviously, fencing of this magnitude can be expensive. You may want to enclose just your vegetable or flower garden. If you have a few specimen plants to protect, wrap them with a mesh barrier to keep the deer a safe distance away. Remember that a mature deer can graze up to a height of 7-8 feet.

Motion detectors that trigger a high-pressure water spray can be a deterrent.

Noise and lights alone or combined can provide an element of surprise to drive deer away.

Fishing line or rope encircling a garden perimeter may be a deterrent, but may also injure animals (including pets) that may become entwined.

This list reads like Halloween night prank gone bad, but various applications of the following have been tried with mixed success. Unpleasant odors or odors associated with danger can keep pests away. As with many of the mechanical deterrents, a persistent deer is likely to become accustomed to these and resume feeding.

• Feces or urine from predators (such as lion or coyote)
• Hot pepper
• Garlic
• Rotten eggs
• Human hair

Last but not least, don't underestimate the family dog. The mere presence of another mammal will do a lot to keep deer off of your property.