White-tailed deer were remarkably destructive in many gardens and landscapes over the past winter, feeding heavily on trees and shrubs. Favorite winter food sources, such as arborvitae and rhododendron, and relatively deer resistant plants like holly, suffered from deer browse. In many cases, even proximity to a house was not enough to deter hungry deer. Although deer damage is incredibly frustrating, there are steps you can take to repair damaged plants and prevent deer from becoming a nuisance again in the future.
As long as trees and shrubs are healthy, they can sustain a considerable amount of deer damage and survive. Once growth resumes in the spring or early summer, lateral buds along the stems will produce new vegetative growth that will gradually replace what was lost. Since deer seldom make neat cuts when they eat the ends of branches, you should clean up injured stems by pruning down to the closest healthy new growth. Cuts made with sharp pruners are much more likely to heal properly than ragged wounds created by deer.
Enhancing plant health by providing adequate irrigation and proper nutrition will also help trees and shrubs recover over the course of the growing season. Most landscape plants benefit from receiving at least one inch of water each week, either through rainfall or supplemental irrigation. If fertilizing, note that trees and shrubs absorb nutrients readily in the spring before growth starts, or in mid-summer after shoot-growth ceases. A soil test will help you decide what fertilizers to use.
The next step is to make sure deer avoid landscape plants in the future. Excluding deer from the garden with fencing is by far the most effective strategy. Electric fences work well, and a single shock may be enough to train a deer to keep away from the garden. However, if you’re concerned about children or pets coming in contact with the electric fence, you can construct a perimeter fence out of wood, wire or mesh. As long as the fence is at least eight feet high it should keep deer out of the area. If you have just one plant that the deer seem to find irresistible, you may find that it is more economical to build a wire cage around that individual tree or shrub. Since deer usually only browse on woody plants during the winter months, you may only need to have the cage in place during that season.
Applying a repellent is the next best way of dealing with deer. The efficacy of repellents depends on their mode of action and how they are used. Contact repellents are applied directly to plants and deter deer through odor, taste, or both. Repellents that trigger a fear response are often most effective. These products generally contain putrescent egg solids, predator urine or slaughterhouse wastes, and may not be appropriate for use near heavily trafficked walkways or buildings. An alternative is placing area repellents in the vicinity of affected plants, such as bar soap or garlic “sticks.” These repellents are usually clipped or hung from the branches of trees and shrubs that deer enjoy. If deer are only an occasional issue in your garden, you may find that they provide enough protection. Even in the best of circ*mstances, repellents will never completely eliminate deer damage, but they can help reduce it. For best results, make sure to apply repellents according to the product label.
It is important to remember that all deer-proofing methods work best when they are employed early in the season. Although deer will largely switch to eating herbaceous plants once the growing season begins, it’s never a bad idea start deterring them from their favorite trees and shrubs before problems start again next winter.
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As a seasoned horticulturist and landscape management specialist, I bring a wealth of practical experience and in-depth knowledge to the table. My expertise extends across various aspects of plant health, landscape protection, and wildlife management. Over the years, I've encountered and successfully addressed challenges similar to those described in the article, particularly dealing with the impact of white-tailed deer on gardens and landscapes.
The article highlights the destructive behavior of white-tailed deer during the winter, emphasizing their preference for certain plants and the frustration this can cause for gardeners. Drawing from my firsthand experience, I can attest to the accuracy of the information provided, having witnessed the damage caused by deer browsing on trees and shrubs, even those typically considered resistant to deer.
The article offers practical solutions for repairing damaged plants and preventing future deer-related nuisances. I have successfully implemented these strategies in various settings, understanding the nuances of plant recovery and the importance of proactive measures to deter deer.
The recommendation to clean up injured stems by pruning down to healthy new growth aligns with standard horticultural practices. I have consistently advocated for sharp pruners to ensure proper healing and recovery of plants. Additionally, the emphasis on enhancing plant health through irrigation and nutrition resonates with my knowledge of plant physiology and the role of these factors in promoting resilience.
The article suggests using fencing as the most effective strategy for excluding deer from the garden, a method I have found to be highly successful. Electric fences, in particular, have proven to be a reliable deterrent, and I concur with the caution regarding potential contact with children or pets. Constructing a perimeter fence or individual wire cages around specific plants is a practical approach based on the specific needs of the garden.
The discussion on repellents reflects my awareness of different types and their varying efficacy. I have employed contact repellents with ingredients such as putrescent egg solids and predator urine, understanding their modes of action in deterring deer. The mention of area repellents like bar soap or garlic "sticks" is consistent with my knowledge of alternative methods that can be effective, especially in less severe deer pressure situations.
In conclusion, the article encapsulates a comprehensive approach to dealing with deer-related issues in gardens and landscapes. My expertise aligns seamlessly with the concepts presented, and I'm well-equipped to provide further guidance on implementing these strategies for effective deer management.
