Although deer are wonderful to see in the wild, they are not a welcome sight in the backyard. I have been speaking in various libraries and the most frequently asked question is how to keep deer from enjoying prized shrubs, perennials etc. as a delicious smorgasbord. Deer are not at fault. We have moved into their environment. On average, a healthy deer needs to consume 5 to 10 pounds of food a day. This may not seem like a lot, but when it consists of shoots, twigs and leaves, it can cause considerable destruction.

One way to keep deer out is by physical barriers such as fences. The fence must be at least 8 ft. tall. This may seem too high but deer can jump a shorter fence if they are hungry. It should also be sunk into the ground 1 to 2 feet deep to prevent the deer from crawling underneath.

There are several other suggested physical barriers. Try using a few lines of heavy fishing line strung from poles. This will deter the deer when they run into it. The problem with this solution is that other creatures, including humans, might become entangled too. Another suggestion is to lay chicken wire or plastic netting on the ground. This will discourage deer from walking through.

There are also repellents available to try to prevent deer from destroying your landscape. They give the plants a bad odor or taste. You must read directions carefully on these products and test them to make sure they do not harm the plants. One must be particularly careful if this is used on any products intended for human consumption.

Other suggested remedies are dried blood meal (also a squirrel deterrent), animal urine, and human hair (also said to be good to repel rabbits). One article I read suggested hanging deodorant or ivory soap in a pouch or nylon stocking to protect an area of 3 to 4 ft. in circumference.

Finally, there are some perennials that deer don’t like to eat. Here is a brief list: Achillea millefolium (yarrow), aquilegia (columbine), silver mound artemesia, fall asters, astilbe, red valerian, lance coreopsis, larkspur, foxglove, purple coneflower (Echinacea), cranesbill geranium, sneezeweed (helenium automoale), hellebores, rose campion (lychnis ),gooseneck loosestrife (lysamachia clethroids),monarda (bee balm), Nepeta (cat mint), peony, Russian sage, jacob’s ladder, black-eyed susan, sage (salvia), santolina, lambs ear, thyme, foam flower (tiarella), veronica (speedwell).

Some favorites of deer are: vegetables, fruit trees, tulips, hosta, yews, ground covers, and roses.

If you have any questions, contact Cornell Cooperative extension. Agricultural division 631-727-7850, or telecue in Suffolk 631-369-2100 or in Nassau 516-485-0038. In other areas contact cooperative extension groups or farm bureaus for advice.

Gardens by Judy,

If you have any remedies or products that have worked for you, and that you would like to share, email me at gardensbyjudy@townedigest.com

Have your garden questions answered by Judy. Questions and answers will be included in the monthly column. Send an e-mail to: gardensbyjudy@townedigest.com

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Garden and landscape evaluations, personalized garden services, creative garden plans, containers planted on site to your specifications.

About the author: Judy is a certified Master Gardener with Cornell Cooperative Extension who loves sharing the joys of gardening with others. She helps garden hobbyists solve their problems and is happy to provide information and suggestions about garden planning and maintenance.

Gardens by Judy prides itself in helping the home owner and garden enthusiast plan and maintain that special garden. Judy works cooperatively with the gardener. She evaluates each garden visited and consults with the gardener about his/her goals. She helps in the design of new gardens and in the re-creation and improvement of present gardens. Judy also creates beautiful container gardens to enhance decks, porches and landscapes.