How Do You Keep Deer Away? Advice From the Experts

Step 1: Choose Deer-Resistant Plants

One of the most effective ways to keep deer away from your garden is by planting deer-resistant plants. These plants are generally unpalatable to deer, making your garden less attractive to them. Let’s explore some options.

Plant Pungent Perennials

Deer rely heavily on their sense of smell to find food. If something smells unappealing, they’ll avoid it. Pungent perennials can act as a natural barrier to keep deer at bay. Here are some great options:

• Garlic: Not only is garlic a kitchen staple, but its strong odor repels deer.
• Chives: These provide a similar benefit to garlic and are easy to grow.
• Mint: Mint has a strong aroma that deer dislike. Be careful, though—mint can spread quickly.
• Lavender: This fragrant plant is beautiful and effective at deterring deer.

Planting these aromatic plants around your garden can create a natural barrier that keeps deer away.

Use Thorny, Hairy, or Prickly Foliage

Deer also avoid plants that are unpleasant to touch or eat. Incorporating thorny, hairy, or prickly foliage into your garden can be an effective deterrent. Here are some examples:

• Lamb’s Ear: The soft, hairy texture of lamb’s ear is unappealing to deer.
• Barberry: This thorny shrub is not only deer-resistant but also adds a splash of color to your garden.
• Cleome: Known as spider flower, cleome has a sticky texture that deer don’t like.
• Globe Thistle: Its spiky leaves and flowers make it a poor choice for deer snacks.
• Russian Sage: This plant has a strong smell and a rough texture, making it a great deer deterrent.

Using these plants can create a less inviting environment for deer, keeping your garden safe.

By choosing the right plants, you can make your garden less attractive to deer.

Step 2: Implement Physical Barriers

Physical barriers are a highly effective solution for keeping deer out of your garden. Let’s explore two primary methods: installing a deer fence and protecting new seedlings and plants.

Install a Deer Fence

One of the most reliable ways to keep deer away is by installing a deer fence. Deer fences need to be at least 8 feet tall, as deer can easily jump over shorter fences.

Key features of an effective deer fence:

• Height: Minimum of 8 feet tall to prevent deer from jumping over.
• Material: Use sturdy wire mesh or wooden slats for durability.
• Construction: Ensure the fence is well-anchored and secure.
• Local Laws: Check local regulations to ensure your fence complies with any height or material restrictions.

A well-built deer fence is an investment that can save your garden from significant damage. Work with a knowledgeable landscaping team for expert design and professional installation.

Protect New Seedlings and Plants

In addition to fencing, protecting individual plants, especially new seedlings, is crucial. Here are some effective methods:

• Wire Cages: Surround young plants with wire cages to prevent deer from nibbling.
• Plastic Tree Wrap: Use tree wraps to protect young trees from deer rubbing their antlers.
• Row Covers: Light spun fabric known as row crop cover can shield plants from deer and other pests.
• Fruit Tree Netting: Cover fruit trees with netting to keep deer from accessing the fruit.

These physical barriers provide an extra layer of protection, especially during times when deer pressure is high.

By combining these physical barriers with deer-resistant plants, you can create a multi-layered defense against deer.

Step 3: Use Repellents and Scare Tactics

Sometimes, physical barriers alone aren’t enough to keep deer out of your garden. That’s where repellents and scare tactics come in. These methods can be highly effective when used correctly.

Rotate Repellents with the Seasons

Deer can get used to certain smells and tastes, so rotate your repellents.

Commercial Repellents:

• Deer Out Concentrate: This scent-based repellent is known for its strong minty smell, which deer dislike.
• Havahart Weatherproof: A taste-based repellent that makes plants unpalatable to deer.

DIY Repellents:

• Hot Pepper Spray: Mix hot pepper, garlic, and water. Spray this on your plants to make them less appealing.
• Rotten Egg Spray: Mix rotten eggs with water for a pungent deterrent.
• Soap Bars: Hang strongly scented soap bars around your garden. Deer dislike the smell.

Tips for Using Repellents:

• Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions: Always read and follow the instructions on commercial repellent labels.
• Reapply After Rain: Heavy rain can wash away repellents, so reapply as needed.
• Spray from Ground Up to 6 Feet: Cover plants thoroughly from the ground up to about 6 feet high.
• Alternate Types: Rotate between scent-based and taste-based repellents for maximum effectiveness.

Talk with your landscaper to discuss your best options.

Employ Scare Tactics

Scare tactics can also help keep deer away by startling them and making your garden seem unsafe.

Motion-Activated Devices:

• Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These can startle deer and keep your garden watered. Adjust sensitivity to avoid false triggers from smaller animals.
• Solar-Powered Models: Reduce energy costs by using solar-powered sprinklers.

Visual and Auditory Deterrents:

• Reflective Tape: Hang reflective tape around your garden. The movement and light reflections can scare deer.
• Wind Chimes: The unexpected noise can deter deer, but they may get used to it, so vary the type and location.
• Scarecrows: Move them around regularly to keep deer guessing.

Combining Methods:

• Lights: Use motion-activated floodlights or solar-powered garden lights. Rotate them periodically to prevent deer from adapting.
• Noise Makers: Radios tuned to talk stations, DIY noise makers with tin cans, and ultrasonic devices can add an extra layer of deterrence.

By rotating repellents and employing various scare tactics, you can create a dynamic and challenging environment for deer. This multi-faceted approach is more likely to keep them at bay.

Step 4: Maintain a Deer-Unfriendly Environment

Fences, noise, and other mechanical deterrents can be unsightly and undesirable to some homeowners.

Creating a garden that deer find uninviting is key to keeping them away. Let’s explore some simple but effective strategies to make your landscape less appealing to these persistent visitors while maintaining its beauty to the human eye.

Keep It Clean

A tidy garden is less attractive to deer. Here’s how to maintain a clean and deer-unfriendly environment:

• Harvest Promptly: Pick fruits and vegetables as soon as they are ripe. Leaving them on the plants can attract deer.
• Secure Compost Bins: Ensure compost bins are tightly covered to avoid attracting deer with the smell of decomposing organic matter.
• Remove Fallen Fruit and Debris: Clear away any fallen fruit, yard trimmings, and garden debris. This reduces food sources and hiding spots.
• Store Birdseed Indoors: Keep birdseed and pet food indoors or in sealed containers to prevent deer from sniffing them out.
• Trim Tall Grasses: Regularly trim tall grasses to eliminate potential bedding areas for deer.

Create Levels

Deer are not good climbers, so adding levels to your garden can deter them. Consider these strategies:

• Terraces: Build terraces in your garden. The elevation changes can make it difficult for deer to steer.
• Raised Beds: Use raised beds for planting. Not only do they improve soil conditions, but they also create a physical barrier.
• Sunken Gardens: Create sunken gardens surrounded by slightly lifted borders. This design adds another layer of difficulty for deer.
• Retaining Walls: Install retaining walls to create distinct levels in sloped areas. These walls can act as barriers that deer are reluctant to climb.

By keeping your garden clean and incorporating different levels, you can make your property less inviting to deer. These simple steps can go a long way in protecting your plants.

How do you keep deer away? Partner with the pros.

Managing deer in your garden can be challenging, but with the right strategies, it is possible to keep these persistent visitors at bay. From choosing deer-resistant plants to implementing physical barriers and custom garden design, there are many ways to protect your landscape.

At Borst Landscape & Design, we understand the frustration of dealing with deer damage. Our full-service team offers professional solutions custom to your specific needs. Whether you need help designing a deer-resistant garden or installing effective barriers, we’re here to help.

Our comprehensive landscaping services include:

• Landscape Design & Build: Custom designs that incorporate deer-resistant plants and features.
• Landscape Maintenance: Regular upkeep to ensure your garden remains deer-unfriendly.
• Organic Lawn Care: Safe and effective methods to maintain a healthy, beautiful lawn.
• Organic Pest Control: Environmentally friendly solutions to keep deer and other pests away.

If you’re struggling with deer in your garden, our experienced professionals can provide the support and solutions you need to protect your property.

For personalized advice and professional landscaping services, contact us or call us at (201) 581-8596.

Let’s work together to create a beautiful, deer-free garden that you can enjoy year-round.

Photo by Chris F