Designing a Deer Resistant Garden
 | Author:
Allison Kosto, MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent
MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent |
Designing a Deer Resistant Garden
Allison Kosto, MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent
There are few pests that can wipe out a garden faster than deer. They eat flowers and foliage during the summer and nibble on trees and buds during the winter. Even urban gardens can become prey to deer, especially in the late summer when many native forages are dry and dormant. At this point, a lush green yard and garden look especially appetizing. Other than erecting a tall fence, it may be virtually impossible to create a landscape or garden that is impenetrable by deer. However, there are a variety of techniques that create a landscape that is resistant to deer and can deter or delay their presence.
One reason that deer are difficult to repel is that they typically feed at night. A single adult can consume 5 to 10 pounds of plants in a night. Deer have even been known to come up on the front porch to reach desirable plants. Bucks can also damage young trees by rubbing them with their antlers.
Deer, just like people, have preferences towards certain food sources and tend to favor nutrient-dense plants. Using less-desirable plants is one strategy to deter or slow deer damage. This includes strong-smelling plants such as herbs. They also do not like plants with prickly or rough leaves or plants with a bitter taste. Examples of flowers that are deer resistant are daffodil, foxglove, goldenrod, iris, lavender, sunflower, yarrow and yucca. Keep in mind though that no plant is completely deer-proof. When a deer is hungry enough, they will eat almost anything!
Placement of plants is another strategy. Plant more susceptible species nearest to the home and less-desirable species further from the house or plant the preferred species inside a ring of less-preferred ones. Intermixing may also be effective.
The use of repellents is another option. Repellents make an area smell bad or a plant taste bad. They usually come in a granular or spray. However, they need to be reapplied frequently, especially after rain or irrigation. Examples are heavily perfumed soap, predator urine, dried blood or blood meal. Be forewarned that many of these are foul-smelling to humans too. Always read the label before applying any products to plants.
The use of physical deterrents is an option as well. There are mechanical or electrical devices that scare or lightly shock deer. They include motion-activated water and noise devices, tethered dogs, strobe lights and gas exploders. Wireless deer fencing is also available. The fence consists of posts that shock the nose of a deer when they get too close. Eventually, deer are “trained” to stay away from the area. Repellents may work initially but deer often become acclimated to the sounds and smells. Rotating between different repellents may be more effective.
A fence is a more permanent solution and may be the only sure way to keep deer out. Deer are amazing jumpers, so even this option takes technique. The fence must be at least eight feet or higher. Even then, the fence should be slanted outward or topped with electric wire. A fence is not always practical though. Barriers around individual plants may be more practical and cost-effective. Options include netting, tomato cages or milk crates. Make sure to place them so that deer cannot get through with their noses. If you are having trouble with bucks rubbing on trees, surround or wrap the trees with hardware cloth or a square field fence. Tubes or wraps can be placed around the trunks of larger trees.
For a list of deer-resistant plants, stop by MSU Extension in Broadwater County at 416 Broadway in Townsend or contact 406-266-9242 or allison.kosto@montana.edu.
