SerpApi.Org
Dear Tom,
I’ve tried all sorts of ways to stop deer from eating my plants. Do you have any suggestions about what I can do, or what I can grow that they won’t eat?
– Anon
Dear Anon,
The hot and dry weather has not only made life challenging for our garden plants, but also for our wildlife. With scant fresh growth and dried-up vegetation available, it’s little wonder that deer are eyeing up our roses and salivating at the thought of nibbling them, along with other much-loved garden plants.
There are several species of deer in the UK but the most common and damaging in our gardens are roe and muntjac. In rural areas, deer can be particularly problematic near woodland or areas where deer can seek refuge during the day. However, with an estimated two million deer in the UK, urban gardeners can’t rest on their laurels, as they’re in our cities too.
Deer tend to feed at night or early in the morning when it is quiet, and will nibble their way through most plants in our gardens, with a particular taste for young shoots.
The dry conditions have made it challenging for animals to find food, and tree bark can also be damaged by the rubbing of antlers. This can cause plants to die through loss of moisture and sap, especially during prolonged dry spells, with the added stress tipping plants over the edge.
Fencing is the best prevention for deer, but it is also the most expensive. Deer fencing should be 2m (6ft) high and well pinned at the base to prevent the deer pushing underneath. The gauge of the wire should be no bigger than 75mm as larger gauges can cause muntjac deer to become trapped as they try to push their heads through.
Electric fences are often inadequate as deer can run through them. Gates should also be around 2m (6ft) high, and although hedges can be a barrier, often deer will find a way through.
Tree guards should be placed around young trees: four posts with chicken wire around the tree will prevent the young tree being browsed; a guard of 1.2-1.5m (4-5ft) high should be sufficient in most cases.
There are several repellents on the market but these are less effective after rain and only deter the deer from the sprayed area, which needs repeated applications to work well.
There are several plants that are less appealing to deer, and if fencing is not practical then look at growing these plants in your garden.
