How to Keep Deer Out of Your Garden Space

The U.S. is home to around 36 million white-tailed deer, as reported by World Population Review. Texas alone hosts over 5.5 million of these deer, while Michigan has more than 2 million. Other species like mule deer exist, but their populations are much smaller. Though deer are generally peaceful herbivores, and you might find it delightful to spot one in the wild, most gardeners don't appreciate their visits. These creatures are known to cause damage to gardens, consuming everything from fruits to vegetables and ornamental plants.

Here are some tried-and-true methods to keep deer away from your garden and safeguard your hard work.

Utilize Deer Deterrents

Numerous deer deterrents are available in garden centers, hardware shops, and large retail stores. However, Meg Pearson, the training manager at Critter Control, suggests opting for natural deterrents. “Although chemical pellets and sprays from stores may keep deer away for a while, they are highly toxic to the environment, pets, and children,” she warns. Moreover, since these treatments require frequent reapplication to remain effective, missing a dose could allow deer to return to your garden.

Despite their safety, Pearson acknowledges that natural repellents might not always work as well as their commercial counterparts.

Deer-Resistant Plants

Pearson advises planting thorny, inedible plants throughout your garden. These plants can mildly prick the deer, discouraging them from returning after they've deemed the area too hazardous to graze. However, she cautions that persistent deer may still find a way around the thorns and will continue to munch on anything they can reach without getting pricked.

Gene Caballero, co-founder of GreenPal, a Nashville-based lawn care service, suggests planting deer-resistant plants. Examples include various perennials such as Yucca, Wild Ginger, Tarragon, and Thyme, annuals like Ageratum, Angel’s Trumpet, and Anise, as well as other perennials like Bigleaf Goldenray, Catmint, and Basket of Gold.

Caballero also points out that deer tend to avoid aromatic herbs like lavender, sage, and rosemary, so consider adding these to your garden. Additionally, plants with fuzzy leaves, such as lamb's ear, are effective deterrents. “These plants not only help keep deer away but also enhance the variety and scent of your garden,” Caballero explains.

Deer-Resistant Spray

Taylor Olberding, co-owner of Heroes Lawn Care, shares that spraying wolf urine around any access points or areas you want to keep deer away from can be effective. “You can typically find this in outdoor or hunting supply stores for about $10-$30—just be sure to reapply after rainfall,” Olberding advises.

Build a Protective Fence

A physical barrier can also serve as a way to prevent deer from entering your yard and garden. Pearson notes, “But since deer are capable of leaping as high as eight feet, the fence would need to be significantly tall to effectively keep them out.”

"For a more affordable and simpler solution, consider installing two parallel fences, each four feet tall and spaced four feet apart. Deer tend to avoid jumping it because they lack the space to safely land between the fences," explains Caballero.

Electric fencing is another option listed by both Pearson and Olberding. Pearson states, "An electric fence delivers a shock when the deer come into contact with it, though it can be a costly option.".

Utilize Scare Tactics

Occasionally, you can use visual cues, sounds, and unexpected movements to deter deer from entering your garden. Olberding, for example, suggests setting up a motion-activated sprinkler. "This could startle the deer and discourage them from returning to the area," he advises.

Another method to try is using flashing lights. Pearson explains, "Some homeowners have found success in deterring deer from their yard and garden by using scare tactics like flashing lights. This can startle the deer and may keep them away from your garden for a time, but eventually, they might grow used to it once they realize there is no real danger, and continue to feast on your garden."

Seek Professional Assistance

If the above strategies don’t yield results, it may be necessary to hire a wildlife removal and prevention expert. Pearson states, "A professional in this field will evaluate your property, determine where the deer are entering from, and develop the most effective methods to prevent them from entering your garden.".

She acknowledges that homeowners might prefer to save money by attempting to resolve the issue themselves. "However, the longer you delay addressing the problem, the more accustomed the deer will become to foraging in your garden, which can make the problem harder to resolve in the long term," she warns.