There’s nothing cuter than a baby deer roaming through your yard. But when they start munching on our favorite plants, valuable trees, and shrubs, they’re a lot less cute. In Northern Virginia, it seems like deer are everywhere right now: in our roadways, landscapes and gardens. While no landscape is 100 percent deer-proof, there are steps we can take to make our outdoor spaces deer-resistant and limit the damage from those adorable critters.
What Does Deer-Resistant Mean?
Deer will eat just about any plant, but (like humans) they have favorite snacks and others they tend to avoid. That’s why we say creating a deer-proof landscape is virtually impossible. Deer resistance, however, is achievable with creativity and know-how. You can take several approaches to make your landscape less appealing to deer and protect your plants, trees and shrubs. Strategies include using deer’s favorite (and least favorite plants) to design your landscape, fencing and deer repellent sprays.
Why Do Deer Like Certain Plants?
Deer are not especially picky when they’re hungry, so almost every plant is at risk. However, just like humans, they have strong preferences. Deer generally prefer plants with tender leaves without a strong taste or smell. They also avoid fuzzy leaves or petals when they can. Plants with soft, tender leaves, including young shoots, are at the highest risk. Smell is also a significant factor; deer are drawn to plants with delicious-smelling blooms. Your roses, tulips, petunias and lilies are like candy to ruminants with a sweet tooth, and hostas are notoriously attractive. Other favorites include fruits and vegetables (cabbage, carrots and beans are at the top of the list) and some flowering shrubs, including azaleas and rhododendrons. Some savvy gardeners use “sacrificial” plants–adding tasty deer favorites near their most beloved blooms.
What Are the Characteristics of Deer-Resistant Plants?
Fortunately, some of the most gorgeous options for your landscape are also deer-resistant. Your landscaper can help you find a host of beautiful plants that also deter deer. Choose plants with deer-resistant smells. Have you ever noticed deer will walk right by your herb garden on the way to the rose bushes? They often avoid plants with a more aromatic, medicinal or herbal smell, like lavender, mint, verbena and some geraniums. Deer don’t like the strong smell of edible plants like onions and garlic. They also shun shrubs with bitter-tasting leaves, like boxwoods and juniper bushes. Another preventive measure is texture: deer avoid thorny or fuzzy plants like lamb’s ear.
Does Changing Planting Location Boost Deer Resistance?
Keeping plants close to the house can help you spot deer more quickly. Your family’s comings and goings may also help keep them away. We often recommend planting the flowers and shrubs deer love most near the house or along walkways.
What Are Other Strategies For Keeping Deer Out Of My Landscape?
In addition to strategically planting deer-repellent plants, you can take several steps to make your landscape more deer-resistant.
- Fencing is an investment, but it works when done right. Your fence should be sturdy and at least 8 feet. Ensure it’s also deep enough to deter digging–at least six inches to one foot underground.
- Use deer-repellent trees and shrubs, such as boxwoods and arborvitae, around your garden. The smell may be enough to deter deer.
- Noise and the element of surprise can scare deer away. Wind chimes, garden spinners and motion-activated sprinklers or lights are all excellent options.
- Protect new plants: Use wire cages around new shrubs and perennial flowers. Wrap young tree trunks, and try elevated or hanging containers for vulnerable flowers.
Do Deer Sprays and Repellents Work?
Commercial and DIY deer sprays aren’t foolproof but can help as part of a multi-tiered strategy. Talk with your landscaping professionals about which product is best for you, depending on your yard size and types of plants. Some gardeners prefer natural options that use essential oils instead of chemicals, especially around vegetable gardens. Other products use chemicals not recommended for edible plants but may work well on decorative shrubs when all else fails. Some commercial deer repellents also have a strong smell that deters deer but is also unpleasant for humans.
How Can My Landscaping Company Help Protect My Plants From Deer?
No landscape is deer-proof, but your landscaping company can help you achieve maximum deer resistance safely and beautifully. Epling Landscaping and Lawn Service works with clients on creative and multifaceted strategies, including:
- Choosing the right plants and planting in strategic locations to protect vulnerable flowers, trees and shrubs.
- Selecting attractive and effective fencing.
- Recommending sprays and repellents that deter deer and other pests while keeping your family and pets safe.
If deer have become an adorable nuisance on your property, contact Epling. Let’s start problem-solving today.
