If you are like me, you may enjoy the sight of deer browsing in the forest. They are fascinating creatures to observe and one of the largest wild animals in Illinois. However, as I survey my backyard, my eyes pass over empty landscape beds where plants once stood.
It is interesting how deer pick and choose from our backyard buffets. I planted hostas, a favorite of deer, in the back of my border hoping that would deter these ungrateful ungulates from venturing farther into my yard. Yet, these stomachs with legs continued their march into the landscape.
My ‘Bleeding Hearts’ false sunflower is the next course on the menu. One of these years, I hope to see this plant bloom. Last year, the deer devoured my Indian pink plants. This year, it is untouched, yet the northern spicebush right next to it is being routinely pruned. To keep the deer at bay, my viburnums are in a chicken wire jail, and it looks to be a life sentence for them.
My wife fell in love with an arborvitae shrub. So did the deer as they ate it down to the trunk. I planted taylor juniper nearby, which is resistant to deer. I hope my wife won’t notice the bait and switch.
It is easy to identify deer browsing. Due to dull incisors (front teeth) on their bottom jaw and a lack of incisors on top, deer twist and tear at plant materials. This results in a ragged, shredded appearance of the targeted plant. Rabbits have sharp incisors and clip vegetation cleanly at a 45-degree angle.
Research shows that exclusion is the best way to control deer damage. Investing in exclusionary fencing is essential for the dedicated gardener. Like many other aspects of life, the most effective deer fencing comes with the highest price tag. Less costly, temporary fencing can be used seasonally or when the crop is most vulnerable.
Deer are excellent jumpers. Therefore, fences need to be a minimum of 8 feet high. For shorter fences, adding depth to your fencing (multiple rows or obstacles on the other side) makes it difficult for deer to gauge their landing, which will make them less likely to jump over.
The best defense arises from multiple techniques. In addition to exclusionary fences, there are many ways to help control deer damage.
Install motion-activated sprinklers
Motion-activated sprinklers are triggered when something interrupts the laser beam. Point the sprinkler to the area you want to protect, and when a deer, squirrel or forgetful gardener walks by, they will get sprayed with water.
Use scare tactics
While sprinklers, scarecrows, reflective materials and flags will work for a time, they are not a long-term solution to scare deer away, because they will acclimate to them. Move these items every few days to prolong their effectiveness.
Spray repellents with caution
Repellents can temporarily reduce damage, but many aren’t labeled for use on food crops. The active ingredient in the highest-rated repellent, according to university studies, contains putrescent egg solids (rotten eggs). Not something you want to spray on your tomatoes.
However, another repellent that performs well contains the active ingredient bovine blood. Like rotten eggs, this product has quite the odor, but it will eventually fade to the human nose. Keep in mind, rain will wash off all repellents, and they will need to be reapplied.
Create home remedies
While human hair, blood meal and bone meal all weather away quickly, hanging bars of soap have an effective radius of 1 to 3 feet. Know that in areas where deer have acclimated to people and our scents, these deterrents generally do not work.
One of the best ways to prevent deer damage is by choosing plants that are not palatable to deer. Contact your local Illinois Extension office for a list of plants less susceptible to deer browsing. If winters are harsh, or deer populations are high, they will eat just about anything.
