Deer Proof Landscaping

By Doug Leier

One of the more frequent concerns I hear about, from nonhunters and hunters alike, is wildlife-human conflicts.

Whether it’s Canada geese in crops, raccoons in gardens or deer in hay stacks, the list is endless. More often than not, those seeking a means of limiting the disturbance of wildlife on their priority issue usually follow up their concern or complaint with this qualifier: “It’s not that I don’t like the (insert species here), I just don’t’ like that many or all the problems they bring.”

Without question, North Dakota is supporting a healthy deer herd. While this is good news for people who like to hunt deer, high fish and wildlife populations sometimes have negative consequences as well. I guess you could say we have to accept the good with the bad. Without a strong deer herd the number of buck licenses would fall dramatically and fewer people would get the license they want.

Along those same lines, however, more deer also means a greater chance that during hard winters deer will congregate near livestock feed supplies, browsing on alfalfa and other food meant for cattle.

Another frustration, more urban in nature, is deer and their penchant for gardens. Whether city or country, any green thumb will relate that a deer can turn a summer’s toil in the soil to shreds in short order.

Whether it’s deer-proof hay yards for ranchers, or high plastic fences surrounding gardens, there are ways to reduce these problems. I won’t say cure, or end, however, as dealing with wildlife involves few guarantees.

In early spring as you plan your garden, take several factors into account. First, if the goal is to protect your garden at all costs, an 8-foot-high, completely enclosed, mesh or chicken wire fence is the best deterrent. A less costly alternative is dividing your garden into smaller subplots with four-strand smooth-wire fence. Deer can easily jump over such a barrier, but they’re less likely to take the leap if they’ll wind up in a small enclosure.

The list of homemade or commercial deer repellants is long and includes things like rotten eggs, human hair, soap-on-a-rope, blood meal and many others. Some even suggest planting desirable vegetables, such as squash, beans and peas in amongst plants deer dislike. Keep in mind, deer have plenty of time to investigate your garden, and these methods are seldom completely effective.

Deer don’t just nibble on garden fodder. They eat young trees, flowers and fruit as well. One way to deter deer from eating things around your yard, besides putting up barriers, is to plant varieties that deer do not find desirable.

Remember there’s nothing which will completely eliminate all deer from disrupting your garden but it should help.

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