Deer grazing can quickly turn a cultivated garden into a landscape of stripped leaves and broken stems. Protecting plants requires a strategic, multi-faceted approach. The most effective solutions involve a combination of physical exclusion, sensory deterrence, and informed plant selection to make your property less appealing as a food source.
Building Physical Barriers
The most reliable method for preventing deer damage is installing a physical barrier that completely excludes them. Since deer are capable jumpers, an effective perimeter fence must be at least eight feet tall. However, a seven-foot fence may be sufficient in areas with dense landscaping or uneven terrain, as poor depth perception makes deer hesitant to jump into an unseen landing zone.
Woven wire or high-tensile plastic mesh are common, durable materials for permanent fences. A less expensive option is a double-fence system, using two parallel four-foot fences spaced about five feet apart. This configuration confuses the deer’s ability to judge the distance required for a safe jump. For individual, highly vulnerable plants, temporary cages constructed from wire mesh or netting can safeguard young trees, shrubs, or vegetable patches until they mature.
Using Repellents and Taste Deterrents
Repellents offer an accessible, non-structural method of protection by creating an unpleasant taste or an alarming odor. Taste-based deterrents, such as those containing egg solids or capsaicin, must be applied directly to the foliage to make the plant unpalatable. Scent-based repellents, which often use ingredients like predator urine or blood meal, signal danger to the deer, making them wary of the area.
The effectiveness of any repellent depends on consistent reapplication, as deer quickly habituate to a single smell or taste. Repellents must be reapplied every three to four weeks, after heavy rainfall, and following new plant growth. To maintain effectiveness, rotate between two or more different types of repellents to prevent the deer from becoming accustomed to a single deterrent.
Choosing Deer-Resistant Plants
A passive, long-term strategy involves selecting plants that deer naturally find undesirable, though no plant is entirely “deer-proof” if the animals are hungry enough. Deer-resistant plants possess characteristics that make them unappealing, such as strong odors or a bitter taste. Many herbs, like lavender and sage, fall into this category due to their high concentration of aromatic oils. Deer also tend to avoid plants with specific textures, including fuzzy, hairy, or prickly foliage, such as lamb’s ear. Plants that contain toxic or milky sap, like daffodils and poppies, are frequently avoided because of their inherent bitterness.
Employing Sensory Scare Devices
Sensory scare devices provide a temporary, non-chemical solution that relies on startling the deer with sudden, unexpected stimuli. Motion-activated sprinklers are among the most effective, using a sensor to detect an approaching animal. When triggered, the device releases a sudden burst of water, which is harmless but effective at scaring deer away from a targeted area. Other sensory deterrents include bright, motion-activated lights or ultrasonic devices that emit high-frequency sounds. Since deer are intelligent and quickly become accustomed to the stimulus, devices should be moved or rotated frequently to maintain effectiveness.