4 Ways to Stop Deer from Eating Your Plants

Tree and Shrub Care Service in Kingwood, TX

Did you know that Texas has more white-tailed deer than any other state? While this may be good news for hunters, gardeners don’t usually feel the same way. Deer can wreak havoc on your landscape, eating your garden plants, shrubs, lawn, and even trees they can reach. After putting so much time, effort, and money into the growth and appearance of your plant life, your patience for Bambi can wear pretty thin.

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to protect your landscape from becoming the next meal of any passing deer. Check out your best options below!

1) Physical Barrier

Physically impeding a deer’s access to your plant life is the most effective obstacle you can create. The easiest way to do this is by installing fencing around your yard or garden. Make sure your fence is over eight feet tall, as deer can jump surprisingly high. You could also protect plants and shrubs individually using garden netting.

2) Odor Deterrent

Deer have a highly-sensitive sense of smell—something you can use to your advantage. There are many different scents that can deter deer from chomping on your garden, including human hair, a bar of soap, fabric softener, garlic, certain plants, or even your dog. If you choose to deter deer with odor, just be sure to apply a fresh scent weekly. Switching up which odors you use will also be helpful, to ensure deer don’t get used to whichever one you’re using.

3) Repellent Spray

There are many deer-repellent sprays available to purchase to coat your shrubs, trees, and garden. These sprays use a combination of odor and taste to deter deer from eating your landscape. You can buy a spray at most home and garden stores, but be sure to look for organic for the sake of your plants. Or, there are recipes online for making your own.

4) Scare Tactics

Another way to deter deer from having dinner on your property is to use scare tactics to stop them in their tracks. There are a few ways you can spook them so they leave and don’t return. Motion sensor sprinklers are one of the most effective options. But motion sensor floodlights, windchimes, and hanging noisemakers can often get the job done too.

Are deer destroying your trees and shrubs? Forest Tree Service can nurse them back to health with our comprehensive tree care services! We can also plant new trees and shrubs and remove any that are too far gone to be salvaged, ensuring your yard remains safe and beautiful.

Contact us today to get started with a free estimate!