Deer Management Strategies For Spring

by Jennifer Smith April 03, 2019

Spring is prime season for deer damage in gardens; and if gardeners do not act on deer management strategies, then they will discover that all of their plants were eaten by Bambi and friends.

Many gardeners choose to first try deer repellents in the yard to keep deer at bay from gardens. While deer repellents are cheap, they do not perform as well as other deer management strategies. Repellents wash away after heavy rains and dissolve after extreme heat exposure - especially in the stifling summer months. Therefore, gardeners are warned to not use repellents as a primary method to rid deer from gardens.

Instead, gardeners can choose to plant flowers for deer resistance. Like us, deer can be picky eaters; and if they do not like the taste or smell of certain plants, they will walk away from the growing site. Consider planting flowers such as marigolds, verbena, iris, daffodils and hibiscus to keep deer away.

For gardeners that want a low maintenance solution for deer control, consider installing a deer fence around a backyard garden. Yard fencing keeps out deer and other wildlife and keeps pets safe from wildlife encounters and attacks. Fencing s a tried and proven method for deer management - if the height is right. Choose a 7.5 to 8 feet high fence for deer resistance in either plastic or metal construction for best results.