For more than 30 years, KJM Landscapes has kept West Chester residences looking their best. We know the effort and money householders invest in their gardens. We also know deer like to eat on the plants that make up those gardens. Fortunately, you don’t have to let the deer win. Deer enjoy delicious plants, including tulips, hostas, and even young trees. They could chew on your crops, devour your flowers, or ruin your shrubs and trees. But with a multi-pronged deer repellent strategy, you can keep them from invading your property.
A Look at Deer Behavior
When deer invade your yard, they’re driven by hunger and searching for food. They particularly enjoy easily accessible plants with pleasing flavor. Their preferences are leafy greens, fruits, and flowers.
Deer can be finicky eaters; their tastes fluctuate with the seasons. During the fall, they might devour fallen fruit; in spring, they might go for fresh young shoots.
Knowing deer behavior will help you guard your garden. Search for deer droppings or tracks. Observe the deer visiting your yard and their preferred food. This knowledge will enable you to decide how best to keep them out.
Deer Repellent Strategies
Keeping the deer out requires a multi-pronged approach, and that starts with deterrents. There are many options here, some that keep the deer out and some that make your plants less appealing.
Physical Barriers
One way to keep deer out of your garden is to put up a barrier.
Fencing
Deer can jump high, so fences should be at least 8 feet tall. Choose a fence material that deer can’t easily push through, like metal or strong plastic. Leave no gaps at the bottom or the sides where deer can squeeze under or through.
Netting
If you just want to protect a few plants or a small area, try using netting. Drape it over your plants or around the area you want to protect. Make sure the netting is high enough and secured to the ground so deer can’t get under it.
Plant Cages
You can make your own cages to protect individual plants. Use chicken wire or other sturdy materials. Build a cage around the plant, leaving enough space for it to grow.
Repellent Plants
Some plants are not as tasty to deer. You can use these to your advantage.
Deer-Resistant Plants for West Chester
Here are some plants deer usually avoid:
- Daffodils
- Lavender
- Boxwood
- Lamb’s ear
- Russian sage
- Catmint
Incorporating Deer-Resistant Plants
You can use deer-resistant plants in a few ways. Plant them around the edge of your garden to create a natural barrier. Mix them in with your other plants to make your garden less appealing. If you have a vegetable garden, plant them around the outside to help keep deer away.
Scented Repellents
Deer have a strong sense of smell. You can use this against them to protect your garden. Here are some of the best deer repellent for plants worth considering:
Commercial Repellents
Stores sell many different deer repellents. Some are made from ingredients like putrefied eggs, garlic, and hot pepper. Others are made with natural oils like peppermint and clove. Follow the directions on the product label.
Homemade Repellents
You can also make your own deer repellent. One easy way is to mix eggs, water, and hot sauce. Spray it on your plants every few weeks. It worls well as both a deer and rabbit repellent.
Application Tips
Spray repellents on the leaves of the plants deer like to eat. Reapply after it rains. If you notice the deer are still eating your plants, try a different repellent or a different method.
Effectiveness and Limitations
Scented repellents can work well, but they have some drawbacks. Deer can get used to the smell over time, so you may need to switch things up. Rain can wash away the repellent, so you’ll need to reapply it.
Scare Tactics
Another way to deter deer is to scare them. There are several effective ways to do this, including:
Motion-Activated Sprinklers
These sprinklers turn on when something moves in front of them. Deer are startled by the sudden spray of water and will run away.
Noise Devices
You can also scare deer with loud noises. Some devices make a sudden bang or whistle when they detect motion. You can also hang wind chimes or other noise-making objects around your yard.
Reflective Objects
Deer are scared of things that move or make noise. Shiny objects like old CDs or aluminum pie plates can scare deer when they move in the wind.
Additional Tips
While the above methods are effective, there are a few more tips to consider in your battle against the deer.
Timing
Deer are most active in the evening or early morning. Apply repellents or set up scare tactics during these times for the best results.
Rotation
Deer are smart and can get used to repellents and scare tactics. Change things up every few weeks to keep them guessing. Try alternating between different repellents or using a combination of methods.
Consistency
The key to keeping deer away is to be consistent with your efforts. It takes time for the deer to learn that your garden is not a buffet. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results right away. Keep trying different tactics, and be patient.
If you need help protecting your garden from deer, contact KJM Landscapes. We have years of experience in creating beautiful landscapes that are also deer-resistant. Our expert services can help you choose the right plants, install fences, and apply repellents to keep your garden looking its best.
Protect Your Property with KJM Landscapes
Deer may pose a threat to your lovely garden, but you can protect all of your hard work using several deer repellent techniques. Keep deer out with fences, nets, or cages. Plant foods deer find unpalatable. Experiment with scare tactics or repellents.
Using many of these techniques together can help you to safeguard your garden. Your yard, the kinds of plants you have, and the deer count will all affect what works best for you.
KJM Landscapes will assist you in selecting appropriate techniques and ensure your garden remains beautiful and free from hungry deer.