Look, deer-proofing your lawn and landscape is a constant concern in the Catskill mountains and into the Hudson Valley.
And the deer keep us on our toes year-round. And as they hunt down our precious daylilies, hostas, and more, we have to stay on top of things to keep protecting our lawn and gardens.
Especially as winter rolls in.
But rest assured, below are 5 time-tested methods you can use to create a “deer-proof” lawn.
Need help deer-proofing? Contact us about our landscaping services.
Deer-Proofing Tactic #1: Use Deer-repellent Sprays
The first step to deer-proofing your landscape is to use a liquid fence regularly. In the warmer months, it’s important to apply liquid fence bi-weekly.
Be sure to apply liquid fence products when your plants are dry and there is no rain in the forecast so that the “fence” has time to dry. If there is a lot of rain, you may want to consider applying the fence weekly.
In the winter, you are typically safe with a once-monthly application. However, if deer get too hungry during a harsh winter, they aren’t going to mind a little dis-taste when it comes to gathering necessary nutrients. Which is why you want to consider the next tip to keeping deer out of your gardens.
Don’t want to apply liquid fence yourself? Don’t fret! We treat most landscapes with liquid fence for $35 an application. Give us a call to set up your service.
Deer-Proofing Tactic #2: Use a Liquid Deer Fence
At the end of the day, when it comes to deer proofing in the winter, you need to create a physical barrier between the deer and your plants.
Look, I don’t like the sight of fencing strewn about the yard either, but in the winter it’s honestly barely noticeable. And erecting a deer fence in the winter is truly the only way to guarantee the saftey of your precious trees and shrubs.
Get this, burlap some bushes and shrubs in the winter is a great way to help them thrive come spring. Not only will burlap on your arborvitaes prevent burn in the winter, but it will also keep hungry deer from getting to your prized investment.
Using either burlap or deer fence in the winter are 2 great ways to preserve your landscaping investment.
Deer-Proofing Tactic #3: Use Deer-Resistant Plants
While it’s true that few plants are truly deer proof, there are quite a few plants that deer will very rarely touch. By planning ahead and installing deer-resistant plants in areas that aren’t fenced in you can avoid the headache of having deer constantly coming over for late night snacks and lunches that destroy your landscape.
Some of my favorite deer-resistant plants are:
- Marigolds
- Cleome
- Morning glory
- Forsythia
- Sage
- Tigerlilly
- and Yarrow.
Deer-Proofing Tactic #4: Protect the Bark of Young Trees
Here’s the deal, young trees aout 1 to 4 inches in diameter are an absolute favorite for deer to scrape. In the late fall and throughout the winter small trees and shrubs are likely targets for deer to rub on.
Deer rub their antlers to help them mark their territory as well as to help them remove the velvet from their antlers. This can quickly kill your young trees.
What’s the solution to help protect your young trees? It’s simple. By covering the bark with a thin layer of burlap or plastic you can deter deer from rubbing on your trees.
Deer-Proofing Tactic #5: Let Them Know People are Around
The final way to keep deer from your lawn is to let them know you are around. Deer are inherently scared of people and will avoid them.
A great way to do this is by having a dog. Dogs their territory frequently, and are always looking for something to bark at or chase. This makes them a great natural detertent for deer.
Other deterints include:
- Motion-activated lights,
- Motion-activated sprinklers,
- and ultrasonic repellents.
Alos, keep your yard and landscape clean and clear of all sticks, leaves, and twigs that may make a deer feel at home.
In Conclusion: Deer Proofing You Lawn and Landscape
At the end of the day, deer-proofing is more accurately described as implementing several deer-resistant tactics. If you truly want to keep deer out for good, you need to install a fence. Otherwise, you will have to stay on your toes and keep deer trained that your landscape has nothing to offer them.
If you need help deer proofing your lawn and landscape in Woodstock, NY, or Saugerties, New York give us a call. We would be happy to help you come up with a plan that works for you! After all, you have poured money into your landscape, you should protect your investment.