Quick Facts...
• It is difficult to move deer out of areas where they are not wanted.
• A hungry deer will find almost any plant palatable, so no plant is "deer proof."
• The two types of deer repellents are contact repellents and area repellents.
• Netting can reduce deer damage to small trees.
Although browsing deer are charming to watch, they can cause extensive damage by feeding on plants and rubbing antlers against trees. In urban areas, home landscapes may become the major source of food. Deer can pose a serious aesthetic and economic threat. Damage is most commonly noticed in spring on new, succulent growth. Because deer lack upper incisors, browsed twigs and stems show a rough, shredded surface. Damage caused by rabbits, on the other hand, has a neat, sharp 45-degree cut. Rodents leave narrow teeth marks when feeding on branches. Deer strip the bark and leave no teeth marks.
Management Strategies
It is difficult to move deer out of areas where they are not wanted. Not all strategies are practical for every homeowner. Frightening deer with gas exploders, strobe lights, pyrotechnics or tethered dogs typically provides only temporary relief. More practical management strategies include selecting plants unattractive to deer, treating plants with deer repellents, netting and tubing, and fencing.
Placement and Selection of Plants
The placement of plants in part determines the extent of damage. Plant more susceptible species near the home, in a fenced area, or inside a protective ring of less-preferred species. Ask you Real Green LLC professional about plant that are less susceptible to deer damage. A hungry deer will find almost any plant palatable, so no plant is "deer proof." Also, a plant species may be damaged rarely in one area but damaged severely in another.
Repellents
Real Green LLC applies two types of deer
repellents are contact repellents and area repellents. Contact repellents are
applied directly to plants, causing them to taste bad. Area repellents are placed
in a problem area and repel by their foul odor. Repellents are generally more
effective on less preferred plants.
We apply repellents on a dry day with temperatures above freezing. Treat young
trees completely. Older trees may be treated only on their new growth. Treat
to a height 6 feet above the maximum expected snow depth. Deer browse from the
top down. Hang or apply repellents at the bud or new growth level of the plants
you wish to protect.
Netting
Real Green LLC also provides deer netting
services. Were we are placing deer netting around high target plants in late
November to help deter the deer’s grazing habits.