Top Strategies to Keep Deer Away from Your Yard and Protect Your Landscape

At Neave Group, we understand the frustration that comes with having your yard constantly invaded by deer. It can turn your once beautiful landscape into an all-you-can-eat buffet. That’s why we’re here to help you with effective deer-proofing solutions. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the reasons why deer are attracted to your yard and provide you with valuable insights on how to keep them at bay. Say goodbye to pesky deer and hello to a well-protected and flourishing landscape.

Understanding What Attracts Deer to Your Yard

Before we delve into the solutions, let’s first explore the primary factors that draw deer to your yard. By understanding their preferences, we can devise effective strategies to discourage their presence.

Plant Material: A Delightful Feast for Deer

The main reason deer venture into your yard is the abundance of tempting plant material. While deer can eat almost anything, they do have their favorites. They are particularly drawn to plants that offer more than just foliage, such as twigs, berries, seeds, fruits, and flowers. Here are some examples of trees, shrubs, and flowering plants that deer find particularly irresistible:

Trees and Shrubs:

• Blackberry
• Spicebush
• Juniper
• Hawthorn
• Flowering dogwood
• Fruit trees
• Rhododendrons
• Taxus

Flowering Plants:

• Asters
• Clover
• Sunflowers
• Verbena
• Wild strawberry
• Geraniums

Deer also have a tendency to target hosta and ferns in the shady spots of your yard, so it’s essential to protect these areas as well.

Available Water Sources: A Refreshing Drink

Deer require access to water, and if your property provides a convenient water source, they will take advantage of it. Whether it’s a pond, trench, half-full kiddie pool, or a half-empty birdbath, deer will use it as a watering hole. They prefer water sources that are sheltered and located away from the more active areas of your home and yard.

Lawn Fungi: A Hidden Delicacy

While you might not consider lawn fungi as an attraction, deer have a different opinion. Mushrooms, which are the fruit of large fungi living underground and feeding off decaying matter in the soil, are actually loved by deer. So if you have a flourishing mushroom population in your yard, it’s likely to be a deer magnet.

Effective Strategies to Deter Deer from Your Yard

Now that we’ve identified the reasons behind deer’s affinity for your yard, it’s time to explore practical methods to make your property less appealing to them. By implementing these strategies, you can reduce deer activity and safeguard your landscape.

Utilize Deer-Resistant Plants

One of the most effective ways to discourage deer from visiting your yard is to incorporate deer-resistant plants into your landscape design. Thanks to homeowner trial and error, as well as extensive university research, there is now a wide variety of plant types to choose from that deer want nothing to do with. These plants are not only resistant to deer but also add beauty and color to your outdoor space.

To get you started, we have compiled a list of five flowering deer-resistant plants suitable for the Northeast:

1. Brunnera: This charming plant boasts delicate blue flowers and heart-shaped leaves. It thrives in shady areas and is highly resistant to deer.
2. Lily-of-the-Valley: Known for its sweet fragrance, this perennial plant features bell-shaped white flowers and lush, bright green foliage. Deer tend to steer clear of it.
3. Lungwort: With its attractive spotted leaves and clusters of vibrant flowers, lungwort is both visually appealing and deer-resistant. It thrives in shady and moist areas.
4. Sea Holly: This unique plant boasts striking blue or white flowers surrounded by spiky bracts. It is not only deer-resistant but also attracts pollinators to your garden.
5. Virginia Bluebells: These beautiful bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink and blue are not on deer’s menu. They thrive in moist, shady areas, adding a touch of elegance to your landscape.

Remember, these are just a few examples, and there are many other deer-resistant plants available. Consult with your local garden center or a professional landscaper for more options suitable for your specific region.

Implement Proven Deer-Deterrent Tactics

If you’re not ready to overhaul your landscape with new plants or if deer activity is difficult to avoid on your property, there are additional measures you can take to protect your plants. These tactics aim to deter deer by making your yard less appealing or more challenging for them to navigate.

Here are five pro tips to reduce deer damage:

1. Stay on Top of Harvesting: If you have edible plants in your garden, it’s crucial to harvest them promptly. Deer are less likely to target plants that are consistently harvested, as they fear the unfamiliar.
2. Create Auditory Deterrence: Deer are sensitive to sounds that indicate human presence. Install wind chimes or use reflective surfaces to create noise and movement that can deter them. Additionally, consider incorporating garden ornaments with moveable parts, as the slightest motion can startle and discourage deer.
3. Install Fencing: Erecting a fence around your property or garden is an effective way to physically prevent deer from entering. Various types of fencing, such as wire mesh or electric fences, can be tailored to your specific needs. Consult with a professional to determine the most suitable option for your situation.
4. Rotate Repellents: If you decide to use deer repellents, opt for commercially available products or try home remedies. However, it’s important to switch up the repellents periodically to prevent deer from developing immunity. Store-bought repellents can be reapplied after rainfall, while homemade solutions like soap, garlic, scented dryer sheets, rotten eggs, hair, and blood meal can confuse a deer’s sense of smell.
5. Seek Professional Help: If you’re unsure where to begin or facing persistent deer problems, it’s wise to seek the assistance of professionals. At Neave Group, we have a team of experts who can assess your situation and develop a customized action plan. From deer-resistant plantings to hardscaping solutions like fences and walls, we have the expertise to create a landscape design that will effectively deter deer and other wildlife.

Conclusion

Deer can be a persistent nuisance when it comes to your yard and landscape. However, by understanding what attracts them and implementing effective strategies, you can successfully keep deer at bay. Incorporating deer-resistant plants, utilizing auditory deterrents, installing fencing, rotating repellents, and seeking professional assistance are all valuable approaches to protect your yard from deer damage.

At Neave Group, we are dedicated to helping you create a landscape that thrives while keeping deer away. Our team of experts has the knowledge and experience to design and implement deer-resistant plantings, as well as provide effective solutions to deter deer and other wildlife. Don’t let deer hinder your outdoor enjoyment. Contact us today and let’s work together to create a beautiful, deer-unfriendly landscape that will withstand the test of time.