Deer Damage in Home Landscape

Deer damage landscape plants by browsing on foliage and branches. In addition, male deer rub antlers against the stems of trees or stage mock battles with shrubbery.

CONTROL

• Use plants that deer tend not to eat
• Erect physical barriers
• Use odor or taste repellents

PLANT SELECTION
Plants deer tend to eat include arborvitae, yew, birch, apple, dogwood, daylily, and hosta. Plants deer tend not to eat include lilac, forsythia, juniper, spruce, spirea, barberry, potentilla, peony, and daffodil. Thorny plants and plants with fuzzy or leathery leaves are also less likely to be eaten. However, hungry deer eat just about anything. Using plants that sucker or recover quickly from damage, such as bush honeysuckle, reduces negative effects of deer feeding.

PHYSICAL BARRIERS
Fencing is the most effective means of reducing deer damage. For small areas, a four- foot fence is sufficient. For larger areas, fences should be at least eight feet high. Cover low growing plants in vegetable gardens with wire mesh. Be sure to use mesh that prevents deer from becoming entangled and injured. Electric fencing is effective but due to cost, maintenance needs, and potential human hazards, it is not practical. Individual plants can be protected by wire cages, tree wraps, or barriers of sturdy stakes pounded into the soil around and two feet away from main stems.

REPELLENTS
Odor and taste repellents, such as human hair, deodorant soap, garlic oil, and hot sauce are applied to branches and foliage to discourage browsing. Repellents are not effective against antler rubbing. Effectiveness of repellents depends on the product used, weather conditions, application frequency, familiarity to the deer population, and feeding pressure. If properly applied, products with egg solids appear to be most effective. Most repellents become ineffective over time as deer become accustomed to their presence. If repellents are tried, use several and rotate them. Remember, repellents are not fences.

Repellents also include noise devices, motion lights, and reflective materials. Aesthetically, many of these options may be undesirable or may be prohibited by local municipal ordinances. They are not effective in the long term.