Protecting Your Garden from Deer: Effective Solutions for a Deer-Free Landscape
Deer are beautiful creatures, but when they start munching on your garden, they can quickly become a nuisance. Particularly in spring and summer, when does are pregnant or nursing, and young deer and bucks are growing, they seek out nutritious, protein-packed plants. Fertilized plants, such as those in home landscapes, offer the perfect blend of protein, carbohydrates, minerals, and salts that deer find irresistible. Additionally, deer often obtain about a third of their water from the moisture found in irrigated plants and tender, young vegetation like expanding leaves, buds, and green stems.
The Challenge of Managing Deer in Residential Communities
While deer may seem harmless, their appetite for your prized plants and their tendency to damage young trees by rubbing their antlers during the rutting season can make them difficult to control. In residential areas, methods like shooting, noise guns, and fencing can be impractical, expensive, or even illegal. Trapping and relocating deer can also be costly and potentially harmful to the animals.
So, what's the solution if you have overabundant deer in your neighborhood, and reducing the herd isn't an option? One effective way to protect your landscape is to choose ornamental plants that deer typically avoid.
Deer-Resistant Plants: What Works and What Doesn’t
There is no such thing as a completely deer-resistant plant. When deer populations are high, and food sources are scarce, they may nibble on plants they usually avoid. However, certain plants are less appealing to deer, and selecting the right ones can help minimize damage.
Deer tend to shy away from plants with strong aromas, prickly leaves, or bitter tastes. For example, plants like lantana, catmint, chives, mint, sage, and thyme are often unappealing to deer due to their potent scents. Additionally, plants with rough or prickly leaves, as well as those with a bitter taste, are usually left alone. Sometimes, deer may nibble on tender new growth but avoid the plant once it matures.
Wildlife organizations, universities, and botanical gardens have compiled lists of deer-tolerant and deer-susceptible ornamental plants based on trial-and-error observations. Although these lists are useful, it’s important to note that deer feeding preferences can vary, and what works in one location may not work in another.
For a comprehensive list of plants that deer tend to avoid in our area, click here.
How Deer Scram Can Help
Deer Scram understands the frustration of spending time and money cultivating a beautiful garden only to have it destroyed by hungry deer and rabbits. That’s why they offer a solution that protects your landscape year-round.
Deer Scram works by forming a protective odor barrier around your plants. This odor, derived from organic animal by-products, mimics the "smell of death" to deer—making them think that a predator is nearby. While the smell is mild to humans, it’s highly effective at keeping deer and even rabbits away from your prized plants. And the best part? Deer Scram is completely safe for humans and pets, making it a worry-free solution for your garden.
Why Choose Deer Scram?
Long-Lasting Protection: Deer Scram offers up to 60 days of protection under normal conditions. It works in all seasons, even during rainy periods, making it a reliable solution year-round.
Safe and Natural: Deer Scram is made from all-natural, organic components and contains no harmful chemicals. It's safe for children, pets, and the environment.
Easy to Apply: Simply sprinkle Deer Scram around the base of your plants or garden beds, and let the product do the work. Reapply every 30-45 days or after heavy rainfall.
Effective for Rabbits, Too: Deer Scram is also an excellent deterrent for rabbits, keeping all of your plants safe from foraging critters.
With regular application of Deer Scram, you’ll be able to enjoy a lush, green garden free from the damage caused by deer and rabbits. No more worrying about deer nibbling on your flowers, shrubs, or vegetables!
