Designing for Deer Resistance

1.      Figure out how severe your deer population is in your area.

a.      Deer Overpopulation is caused by several factors:

                                                                        i.     Increased Habitat- Deer are edge creatures that live on the border between the deep forest and open areas. By cutting down forests and creating open space we are creating more habitat for them.

                                                                       ii.     No Predators- Most of Deer’s natural predators have been wiped out by the human species.

                                                                      iii.     Reproduce Often- Deer are prolific breeders.

                                                                      iv.     Increased Food Supply- Unfortunately, the suburban landscape is a “salad bar” for the Whitetail Deer. 

2.      Choose Deer Resistant Plants

a.      Plants that are very susceptible to deer are:

                                                                        i.     Hostas

                                                                       ii.     Camellias

                                                                      iii.     Aucubas

                                                                      iv.     Daylilies

b.      Plants that are soft to the touch with a high water content will always be eaten first.

c.      I want to stress the fact that most plants are deer resistant.  When deer are hungry they will pretty much eat anything.  There should be the understanding that there will be some plant loss.

d.      Most deer stay away from plants with thorns or spiny projections such as hollies, and barberries.

e.      Deer Resistant Plants:

                                                                        i.     Red Japanese Barberry

                                                                       ii.     Inkberry

                                                                      iii.     Pieris

                                                                      iv.     Spirea

                                                                       v.     Ornamental Grasses

                                                                      vi.     Crepe Myrtle

                                                                    vii.     Cryptomeria

                                                                   viii.     Viburnum

                                                                      ix.     Lavender

                                                                       x.     Achillea

                                                                      xi.     Juniper

3.      Deer do not like to climb.

a.      If your property is steep use rocks to retain soil because deer do not like to climb.

4.      Direct Deer’s Feeding Habits

a.      Plant large masses of native plants around the border to feed deer and keep them away from more precious plantings.  This will keep deer from coming further into the garden.

5.      Control Deer’s entry and circulation patterns.

a.      Build a deer fence at least 8’ feet tall.  Deer do not like to jump things that high.

b.      Buy a dog.  The barking and their smell will keep deer away.

6.      Inter-mix Deer Resistant Plants and Plants that Deer Like.

a.      Use plants that are fragrant such as, lavender, around plants that deer like.

b.      The fragrance will discourage deer from coming closer.

7.      Try deer repellants.

a.      There are several of these products on the market.  Most are naturalistic products made with rotten eggs and several other smells that deer do night like.  Must be re-applied after rainstorms.

b.      Deer do not like human hair.

c.      Deer do not like the smell of Irish Spring soap.  Hang this from trees around the edge of your property to keep deer away.