This HTML code includes a paragraph of text with a quote from a gardening expert, followed by a bulleted list of signs that deer are present in a yard, followed by another paragraph of text with tips on how to keep deer out of a yard, and finally a link to another article.This HTML code includes a paragraph of text with a quote from a gardening expert, followed by a bulleted list of signs that deer are present in a yard, followed by another paragraph of text with tips on how to keep deer out of a yard, and finally a link to another article.
How to Keep Deer Out of Your GardenRobert Muckley
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Does this sound familiar? You’ve spent countless hours tending to your garden, nurturing each plant with care and dedication, only to have deer come rushing in and devour all your hard work! It can be extremely frustrating to see your beautiful spring and summer flowers and carefully cultivated vegetable garden reduced to mere stalks. But don’t worry: there are effective strategies to keep these beautiful but persistent visitors at bay. We even spoke to a gardening expert to get his tips on how to keep deer out of your garden. Whether you’re dealing with curious deer or seasoned adults, these proven methods can help you reclaim your garden and enjoy its beauty without the constant worry of deer damage. But first, you need to be able to determine whether or not deer are actually coming into your garden.
What are some signs that there are deer in your yard?
Wondering if there are deer in your yard? Here are a few signs to look for:
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Damage to plants: Deer like to nibble on leaves, shoots, and buds, which can cause the edges to look jagged or torn. They may also nibble on flowers and vegetables.
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Tracks: You can spot deer tracks quite easily in soft ground or mud. They have characteristic hoof prints that look like they have been split in two.
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Leaf height:Deer will feed at a variety of heights, but you will often see evidence of nibbling at a distance of 5 feet or less, especially on smaller trees and shrubs.
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Rubbing or scraping marks:During the rutting season (fall through winter), male deer (stags) rub their antlers against trees and shrubs, leaving marks and sometimes damaging the bark.
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Fecal pellets: Deer poop looks like small, clustered dark beans. You usually find them where deer feed.
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Leafy bark: When food is scarce in winter, deer will sometimes chew on tree bark. Look for chewed areas and bare spots on trunks and branches.
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Disturbed areas:If deer visit often, they may create paths or paved areas in your yard as they roam.
What are the best ways to keep deer out of your yard?
When it comes to keeping deer out of your garden, knowing a few simple tricks can make a big difference. From using fencing and scents they don’t like to planting things they don’t like to eat, there are a number of easy ways to protect your plants from these four-legged garden pests.
“Deer are sensitive to scents and will often avoid areas with scents they don’t like,” says Rebecca Sears, CMO and resident green thumb at Ferry-Morse, a leading garden brand. “Certain aromatic herbs like lavender, mint, rosemary, oregano, sage and thyme are natural deer deterrents, and planting them around the edges of your garden is an easy way to keep deer away.”
However, Sears notes that after a long winter, deer may be hungry enough to eat even plants they don’t like.
“In this case, a physical barrier is the only effective deterrent,” she says. “If you’re interested in installing physical barriers, steel garden fencing can keep everything from rabbits to deer out of your yard. For a more natural look, you can also use decorative hedges or thorn bushes to discourage deer from entering your yard.”
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