Deer can be a real nuisance to gardeners, as they love to munch on plants, leaving behind a trail of destruction. If you’re tired of finding your flowers chewed up or your vegetables eaten, there are a few things you can do to keep deer out of your garden. One effective method is to use fencing. A fence that is at least 8 feet tall will be difficult for deer to jump over, and it will also help to keep other pests out. Another option is to use deer repellent. These products are available in a variety of forms, including sprays, granules, and ultrasonic devices.
In addition to fencing and repellents, there are a few other things you can do to make your garden less appealing to deer. One is to avoid planting deer-resistant plants. Some of the plants that deer tend to avoid include marigolds, lavender, and rosemary. You can also try planting your garden in a location that is not easily accessible to deer. Deer are less likely to venture into areas that are open and exposed.
If you’re having trouble keeping deer out of your garden, there are a few professional services that can help. These services can provide you with a variety of deer-proofing solutions, including fencing, repellents, and habitat modification. With a little help, you can keep deer out of your garden and enjoy your plants in peace.
Physical Barriers
Erecting physical barriers is a reliable method to deter deer from accessing your garden. These barriers can prevent deer from physically entering the garden or make it difficult for them to do so, effectively protecting your precious plants. Here are some common physical barriers to consider:
Fencing
Fencing is a highly effective physical barrier against deer. Deer-proof fences typically stand at least 8 feet tall and are made of sturdy materials such as wire mesh, chain link, or woven wire. The fence should be securely anchored to the ground and have no gaps or openings that deer could exploit. Consider using a fence with small mesh openings to prevent smaller deer from slipping through.
| Fencing Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Wire Mesh | Durable, long-lasting | Can be expensive, requires professional installation |
| Chain Link | Less expensive, easy to install | Can be less aesthetically pleasing |
| Woven Wire | Sturdy, customizable | Can be difficult to install, requires special tools |
Netting
Netting provides a temporary or seasonal solution to deer exclusion. You can drape netting over vulnerable plants or install it around the perimeter of your garden. Choose netting made of strong materials such as nylon or polypropylene, and ensure it has small mesh sizes to prevent deer from getting entangled. Netting can be attached to stakes, trellises, or existing structures using ties or clips.
Deer Repellent Plants
Interplanting your garden with plants that deer find unpalatable can help deter them from entering. Deer tend to avoid plants with strong scents or bitter tastes, such as rosemary, lavender, mint, and marigolds. Consider planting these repellents around the perimeter of your garden or intermingled with your other plants to create a natural barrier that discourages deer from browsing.
Repellents
Deer have a keen sense of smell, so repellents can be an effective way to keep them out of your garden. There are many different types of repellents on the market, including:
- Commercial repellents: These repellents are available at most hardware stores and garden centers. They typically contain ingredients that deer find unpleasant, such as capsaicin, garlic, or peppermint oil.
- Homemade repellents: You can also make your own deer repellent using common household ingredients. Some popular recipes include:
- Mixing 1 cup of cayenne pepper with 1 gallon of water
- Soaking garlic cloves in water overnight and then spraying the solution around your garden
- Sprinkling Epsom salts around your plants
- Physical barriers: Physical barriers can also be effective at keeping deer out of your garden. These barriers can include:
- Fencing: A fence at least 8 feet tall is usually enough to deter deer.
- Netting: You can cover your plants with netting to keep deer from reaching them.
- Motion-activated sprinklers: These sprinklers will spray water when they detect movement, which can scare deer away.
| Type of Repellent | Ingredients | Effectiveness | Cost | Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Repellents | Capsaicin, garlic, peppermint oil | High | $10-$20 per gallon | Easy to apply |
| Homemade Repellents | Cayenne pepper, garlic, Epsom salts | Moderate | Free or low-cost | May require some preparation |
| Physical Barriers | Fencing, netting, motion-activated sprinklers | Very high | $100-$500 per acre | Can be difficult to install |
Motion-Activated Devices
Types of Motion-Activated Devices
Motion-activated devices detect movement and release a deterrent in response. Common options include:
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Ultrasonic devices: Emit high-pitched sound waves imperceptible to humans but annoying to deer.
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Infrared motion sensors: Trigger a spray of water, noise, or light when deer approach.
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Wind-powered spinners: Rotate with the wind, creating noise and visual disturbance.
Effectiveness
The effectiveness of motion-activated devices depends on several factors:
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Placement: Position devices strategically around the perimeter and within the garden to create a protective zone. Aim ultrasonic devices towards potential entry points.
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Coverage: Choose devices with a sufficient range to cover the desired area.
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Durability: Select units that can withstand outdoor conditions and maintain effectiveness over time.
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Deterrent: The type of deterrent used (e.g., water, sound, light) can influence the device’s effectiveness on different deer species.
A study by Cornell University found that motion-activated water jets reduced deer browsing by 80%. However, other studies indicate that some deer may become habituated to certain devices over time.
Maintenance
Motion-activated devices require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance:
- Batteries: Replace batteries as needed.
- Sensors: Inspect and clean sensors to maintain sensitivity.
- Nozzles: Check for clogs and adjust the spray pattern for maximum coverage.
- Flora: Trim vegetation around devices to prevent interference with motion detection.
Fencing Options
Deer are well-known for their ability to leap over obstacles and squeeze through narrow spaces to access vegetation. As a result, deer fencing must be robust and properly installed to be effective. The following are some popular fencing options to keep deer out of gardens:
1. Wire Fencing
Wire fencing is made of sturdy wire mesh and is strung between metal or wooden posts. It is a cost-effective option that provides good protection, but it can be challenging to install and maintain.
2. Chain-Link Fencing
Chain-link fencing is similar to wire fencing but uses interlocking chain links instead of wire mesh. It is strong and durable but can be more expensive than wire fencing.
3. Plastic Netting
Plastic netting is lightweight and easy to install. It is also less conspicuous than other types of fencing, but it may not be as effective against larger deer.
4. Deer-Resistant Plants
Certain plants are naturally deer-resistant, such as spiky-leaved varieties or those with a strong odor. Incorporating these types of plants into your garden can help deter deer from entering. Here is a table of some common deer-resistant plants:
| Plant | Deer Resistance |
|---|---|
| Marigolds | Moderate |
| Lavender | High |
| Garlic | High |
| Daffodils | High |
| Salvia | High |
Habitat Modification
Deer are attracted to gardens because they provide food, water, and shelter. By modifying the habitat in your garden, you can make it less appealing to deer.
Fencing
The most effective way to keep deer out of your garden is to fence it. Fences should be at least 8 feet tall and made of a durable material such as wire or nylon mesh. The fence should be buried at least 12 inches underground to prevent deer from digging under it.
Vegetation Management
Deer prefer to eat young, tender plants. By removing these plants from your garden, you can make it less appealing to deer. Deer also avoid areas with dense vegetation. Planting dense shrubs and trees around your garden can help to deter deer.
Water Sources
Deer need water to survive. By eliminating water sources from your garden, you can make it less appealing to deer. Remove any standing water from your garden, and do not water your plants during the day when deer are most active.
Food Sources
Deer are attracted to gardens because they provide food. By removing food sources from your garden, you can make it less appealing to deer. Do not grow plants that deer like to eat, such as roses, tulips, and hostas. Instead, plant deer-resistant plants, such as marigolds, zinnias, and lavender.
Deer-Resistant Plants
The following plants are deer-resistant and can be grown in a garden to help keep deer away:
| Scientific Name | Common Name |
|---|---|
| Allium cepa | Onion |
| Brassica oleracea | Cabbage |
| Daucus carota | Carrot |
| Lactuca sativa | Lettuce |
| Solanum lycopersicum | Tomato |
Deer-Resistant Plants
Deer-resistant plants are those that deer find unpalatable or even toxic. By choosing these plants for your garden, you can help to deter deer from browsing and damaging your plants. Here are some of the most effective deer-resistant plants:
Shrubs: Barberry, Boxwood, Butterfly Bush, Camellia, Crepe Myrtle, Daphne, Euonymus, Holly, Hydrangea, Juniper, Loropetalum, Mock Orange, Mountain Laurel, Nandina, Photinia, Rhododendron, Rose of Sharon, Spirea, Viburnum
Perennials: Achillea, Allium, Artemisia, Astilbe, Black-Eyed Susan, Coneflower, Coreopsis, Cranesbill, Daylily, Delphinium, Dianthus, Digitalis, Foxglove, Gaillardia, Geranium, Heuchera, Hosta, Lavender, Liatris, Lupine, Monarda, Penstemon, Salvia, Scabiosa, Sedum, Shasta Daisy, Veronica
Annuals: Alyssum, Begonia, Calendula, Dianthus, Impatiens, Marigold, Nasturtium, Petunia, Salvia, Snapdragon, Verbena, Zinnia
Bulbs: Allium, Crocus, Daffodil, Fritillaria, Hyacinth, Iris, Lily, Scilla, Tulip
Plants with strong odors: Garlic, Onion, Rue, Sage, Thyme
Plants with toxic properties: Foxglove, Larkspur, Lupine, Monkshood, Rhubarb, Yew
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When choosing deer-resistant plants, it is important to keep in mind that no plant is foolproof. Some deer may be more likely to browse on certain plants than others, and hungry deer may eat almost anything. However, by choosing a variety of deer-resistant plants, you can make your garden less appealing to deer and reduce the damage they cause. |
Companion Planting
Companion planting is a technique of planting specific plants near each other to create a mutually beneficial relationship. It can deter deer and enhance the growth and health of your plants.
Deer-Repellent Plants
Planting deer-repellent plants around your garden can create a natural barrier against these animals. Some effective choices include:
| Plant | Deterring Property |
|---|---|
| Marigolds | Strong scent |
| Mint | Strong flavor |
| Geraniums | Geraniol, a natural deer repellent |
| Lavender | Linalool, a compound that repels deer |
| Garlic | Strong sulfurous odor |
Predator Decoys
One of the most effective ways to deter deer from your garden is to use predator decoys. These decoys can be placed around the perimeter of your garden or in areas where deer are frequently seen. The presence of a predator, even a decoy, will often scare deer away from the area.
There are a variety of different predator decoys available on the market, including owl decoys, coyote decoys, and wolf decoys. When choosing a predator decoy, it is important to select one that is realistic and life-like. The more realistic the decoy, the more effective it will be at deterring deer.
In addition to being realistic, the predator decoy should also be placed in a strategic location. The best place to place a predator decoy is in an area where deer are likely to see it, such as near a deer trail or feeding area.
Here are some additional tips for using predator decoys to keep deer out of your garden:
- Move the decoy around frequently to prevent deer from becoming accustomed to it.
- Use more than one decoy to increase effectiveness.
- Pair predator decoys with other deer deterrents, such as fencing or motion-activated sprinklers.
By following these tips, you can use predator decoys to effectively deter deer from your garden and protect your plants from damage.
| Type of Decoy | Best Placement |
|---|---|
| Owl decoy | In trees or on fence posts |
| Coyote decoy | In open areas or near deer trails |
| Wolf decoy | In wooded areas or near deer bedding areas |
Intercropping
Intercropping is a technique where you plant multiple species of plants together in the same area. This can be an effective way to deter deer, as they are less likely to eat plants that are surrounded by other, less palatable plants. Some good companion plants for deer-resistant gardening include:
- Marigolds
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Thyme
When intercropping, it is important to choose plants that have different growth habits and root structures. This will help to create a dense planting that will be less appealing to deer. You should also rotate your crops each year to prevent deer from becoming accustomed to any one type of plant.
Here are some additional tips for using intercropping to keep deer out of your garden:
- Plant your crops in blocks, rather than rows. This will make it more difficult for deer to get to your plants.
- Use a variety of plant sizes and shapes. This will create a more confusing environment for deer.
- Plant some tall plants around the perimeter of your garden. This will help to deter deer from entering your garden in the first place.
By following these tips, you can use intercropping to create a deer-resistant garden that will be beautiful and productive.
| Plant | Deer Resistance |
|---|---|
| Marigolds | High |
| Lavender | Moderate |
| Rosemary | High |
| Sage | High |
| Thyme | High |
How To Keep Deer Out Of Garden
Deer can be a real nuisance in the garden, eating everything from flowers to vegetables. If you’re tired of sharing your bounty with these four-legged pests, there are a few things you can do to keep them out.
One of the most effective ways to keep deer out of your garden is to fence it in. A fence at least 8 feet tall will deter most deer, but if you have a large garden, you may need to go even higher. The fence should be made of sturdy material, such as wood or metal, and it should be buried at least 6 inches underground to prevent deer from digging under it.
If you don’t want to fence in your entire garden, you can try using repellents. There are a variety of commercial deer repellents available, but you can also make your own by mixing water with dish soap or vinegar. Spray the repellent around the perimeter of your garden, and reapply it after rain or watering.
Another way to keep deer out of your garden is to plant deer-resistant plants. Some plants, such as marigolds, lavender, and rosemary, have a strong scent that deer find unpleasant. Deer are also less likely to eat plants with tough leaves, such as holly and barberry.
If you do find deer in your garden, there are a few things you can do to chase them away. Make loud noises by clapping your hands or banging pots and pans. You can also try throwing objects at them, but be careful not to hit them. If all else fails, you can call your local animal control agency.
People Also Ask About How To Keep Deer Out Of Garden
What are some natural deer repellents?
Some natural deer repellents include water with dish soap or vinegar, pepper spray, and coyote urine.
What are some deer-resistant plants?
Some deer-resistant plants include marigolds, lavender, rosemary, holly, and barberry.
What do I do if I find deer in my garden?
If you find deer in your garden, you can try to chase them away by making loud noises or throwing objects at them. If all else fails, you can call your local animal control agency.
