Landscape Tip: Oh Deer!

A deer-proof plant doesn’t exist. Hungry deer in winter will sample almost any plant. The young fawns don’t yet know which plants taste good and they’ll try almost anything.

Deer-resistant plants are your best bet, but they’ll likely be browsed at least a bit. A tall fence, over 6’ is the safest way to protect plants. Deer do not have good depth perception. If you grow a wide hedge on one side of a fence, or provide a secondary fence, approximately 4’ away, deer usually will seek easier options for food.

There are many deer-repellant sprays available. There are pleasant smelling ones, including mint and spice scents. If you alternate the scents and spray every two to three weeks, they can be effective.

The following native plants are typically avoided by deer: Switchgrass, Pink Muhly Grass, Indian Oat Grass, Little Bluestem, Sedges, Prickly Pear Cactus, Winterberry Holly, Milkweed, Butterfly Weed and Bee Balm. Non native plant options include Juniper, Boxwood, Lavender, Catmint, Veronica, and Bearded Iris.