What are some suggestions for keeping deer out of a garden?
Although browsing deer are charming to watch, they can cause extensive damage to yards and gardens by feeding on plants and rubbing their antlers against trees–they pose a serious aesthetic and economic problems. In urban areas, home landscapes may become their major source of food. 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. It is difficult to move deer out of areas where they are not wanted, and not all strategies are practical for every homeowner. A hungry deer will find almost any plant palatable, so no plant is “deer proof.” Frightening deer with gas exploders, strobe lights, pyrotechnics or tethered dogs typically provides only temporary relief. More practical management strategies inclu
