How To Deer-Proof Shrubs

Deer can wreak havoc on your carefully cultivated landscape, turning lush shrubs into barren twigs overnight. As suburban development encroaches on deer habitats, these encounters become increasingly common. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies to protect your plants from hungry deer. In the video above, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook demonstrates several potential solutions, from simple home remedies to high-tech solutions.

Recommended Tools

Protecting your garden against deer only requires a handful of tools.

Understanding Deer Behavior

Before implementing deer-proofing measures, it’s essential to understand deer behavior and their feeding habits. 

Deer Feeding Habits

Deer are opportunistic feeders, often venturing into residential areas in search of food. They typically feed at dawn and dusk, making it challenging to catch them in the act. Deer lack upper incisors, so they tear vegetation rather than making clean cuts. This feeding method can cause significant damage to plants, as deer strip leaves and buds from branches.

Preferred Plants

While deer will eat almost any vegetation when food is scarce, they have preferences. Some plants deer particularly enjoy include:

• Arborvitae
• Hostas
• Daylilies
• Yews
• Rhododendrons
• Azaleas

Home Remedies for Deer Deterrence

Several simple, cost-effective home remedies can help keep deer away from your shrubs. While these methods may not be foolproof, they can be effective in areas with moderate deer pressure.

Human Hair

One low-tech option Cook demonstrates in the video above is using human hair as a deer deterrent. To try this method:

1. Collect unshampooed human hair from a local salon or barbershop.
2. Fill a nylon mesh bag with the hair.
3. Tie the bag to the branches of your shrubs or scatter the hair around the base of the plants

The strong human scent can deter deer, although its effectiveness may be limited in areas where deer are accustomed to human presence.

Soap

Another simple deterrent is hanging bars of strongly scented soap in your shrubs. To implement this method:

1. Choose a deodorant soap with a potent fragrance.
2. Drill a 1/2-inch hole through the center of each bar using a spade bit.
3. Thread string or wire through the hole.
4. Hang several soap bars throughout your shrubs.

The strong odor of the soap can help keep deer at bay, though you may need to replace the soap periodically as the scent fades.

Physical Barriers to Keep Deer Out

When home remedies prove insufficient, physical barriers can provide more reliable protection for your shrubs.

Nylon Netting

Covering shrubs with fine-mesh nylon netting creates a physical barrier that prevents deer from accessing the foliage. To use this method:

1. Purchase fine-mesh nylon netting from a garden supply store.
2. Drape the netting over the entire shrub, ensuring it reaches the ground on all sides
3. Secure the netting at the base of the shrub with stakes or rocks

While this method is highly effective, it may not be aesthetically pleasing for prominent landscape features.

Fencing

For larger areas or particularly valuable plantings, installing deer-resistant fencing can be a long-term solution. Effective deer fencing should be:

• At least eight feet tall (check local laws, as some municipalities restrict fence height)
• Made of sturdy materials like wire mesh or polypropylene
• Properly tensioned to prevent sagging
• Extended slightly below ground level to prevent deer from pushing underneath

While fencing can be costly, it provides comprehensive protection for your entire landscape.

High-Tech Deer Deterrence Solutions

For those seeking more advanced deer deterrence methods, several high-tech options are available, such as: 

Motion-Activated Sprinklers

As demonstrated in the video, motion-activated sprinklers can startle deer and discourage them from entering your yard. To set up this system:

1. Choose a motion-activated sprinkler with adjustable sensitivity and spray patterns.
2. Connect the sprinkler to a garden hose.
3. Position the sprinkler to cover the area you want to protect.
4. Adjust the settings to avoid false triggers from small animals or wind-blown vegetation.

This method not only deters deer but can also help water your plants in the process.

Electronic Repellent Devices

Various electronic devices use ultrasonic sounds, flashing lights, or a combination of both to deter deer. These devices typically:

• Operate on batteries or solar power
• Cover a specific range (usually up to one acre)
• Activate when motion is detected
• Emit sounds or lights that are unpleasant to deer but not harmful to humans or pets

While these devices can be effective, their success may vary depending on the deer population’s habituation to human activity.

Chemical Deer Repellents

Chemical repellents can be an effective way to protect your shrubs from deer damage. These products work by making plants unpalatable or creating an unpleasant odor that deters deer.

Types of Repellents

There are two main categories of chemical deer repellents: Taste-based and odor-based.

• Taste-based repellents: These contain bitter or spicy compounds that make plants unpalatable to deer.
• Odor-based repellents: These emit strong scents that deer find offensive, such as predator urine or rotten egg smells.

Some products combine both taste and odor deterrents for increased effectiveness.

Application Methods

To use chemical repellents effectively:

• Choose a repellent appropriate for your plants and local regulations
• Fill a pump sprayer or backpack sprayer with the diluted repellent solution
• Thoroughly coat all parts of the plant, including the undersides of leaves
• Reapply the repellent every 8 to 10 weeks, or after heavy rain

It’s important to note that while these repellents are generally safe for plants and humans, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions.

Deer-Resistant Landscaping

One of the most effective long-term strategies for deer-proofing your yard is to choose plants that deer typically avoid. While no plant is completely deer-proof, some are less appealing to deer due to their texture, taste, or scent.

Consider incorporating these deer-resistant plants into your landscape:

• Lavender
• Boxwood
• Russian Sage
• Barberry
• Ornamental Grasses
• Daffodils
• Foxglove
• Butterfly Bush

Landscape Design Strategies

In addition to plant selection, certain landscape design strategies can help deter deer, such as: 

• Plant strongly scented herbs near vulnerable plants
• Create layers in your landscape, placing more susceptible plants closer to the house
• Use hardscaping elements like gravel or stone to create barriers
• Incorporate thorny or prickly plants as natural fencing

Seasonal Deer Protection

Different seasons can affect the feeding habits and movement of deer. During the winter months, food becomes scarce, and deer may resort to feeding on plants they usually avoid. This makes it important to protect shrubs and other landscaping elements throughout the year, not just during the growing season.

Spring and summer are the times when plants are most vulnerable to deer damage, as new growth is tender and attractive to deer. Implementing preventive measures during these seasons will help ensure that your plants have the best chance to thrive and mature without interference.

Combining Methods

Deer are adaptable animals that may become accustomed to a single deterrent method. For this reason, combining several methods can yield better results. For instance, using a motion-activated sprinkler coupled with a physical barrier like nylon netting can provide a two-pronged approach to keeping deer at bay. Chemical repellents can be layered with physical deterrents for added protection.

Monitoring and Maintenance

Regularly monitor your landscape for signs of deer activity. Look for tracks, droppings, and signs of plant damage. Immediate action can prevent further damage. Additionally, maintaining your deterrents, such as replacing soap bars or reapplying chemical repellents, keeps them working properly.