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Deer will eat nearly any green plants if they are hungry enough and their preferred diet is in short supply. There are many shrubs and perennial plants, however, that they will not eat under normal circumstances. Some of them will require supplemental water during the dry Sonoma County summers, but some are drought tolerant and a few will grow in salty conditions.
Flame-retardant sprays for plants are available for artificial specimens only. Although natural plants also are combustible, the fire-safety chemicals probably are toxic to real foliage and flowers. It is unlikely that your local fire code requires you to keep treated artificial plants at home. In commercial buildings, the situation is different: It is the law in many states that only fire-resistant plants be used as decoration in public settings.
Trilliums are also known as wood lilies and are members of the Melanthiaceae family. Native to the Northern United States, these plants reach heights of up to 2 feet and spreads of 1 to 1 1/2 feet. Trilliums are known for their lovely blooms that thrive in full or partial shade. While trilliums are resistant to damaging insects, they are commonly browsed by deer, which can damage the plant.
If deer are hungry enough, as they often are during droughts, late winter or while pregnant or nursing, they will eat almost any ornamental shrub. However, deer find certain species of shrubs less attractive than others. When choosing dense, deer-resistant shrubs for those shady spots in your landscape, look for species with pointy, tough foliage; waxy, thick sap; pungent-tasting and smelling foliage or flowers; gray-, blue-green or hairy leaves; and shrubs that contain toxins.
All types of plants have different tolerance levels for salt in their water. If water salinity increases beyond a plant's tolerance, its ability to absorb water decreases. While a plant's resistance to water salinity is determined by its type or genus, a knowledgeable gardener can help the plant survive in salty regions. One of the easiest ways to get a head start in the battle against salty water is to choose plants for your landscaping theme that already have a high resistance to salty conditions.
Sometimes the difficulties of maintaining a lawn become so severe that you may decide to remove it completely and start over. If your lawn problems stem from a lack of moisture or rain, you may have more success if you kill the lawn to replant drought-resistant plants instead. With careful use of the correct herbicide, you can clear the area and establish different plants.
Deer love fruit trees. That's the simplest way of describing the relationship between fruit growers and deer. Milder winters mean greater fawn survival and growing deer populations and more headaches for growers. There are several deer-preventative methods including fencing, repellents and pruning above the reach of the deer. Knowledge of deer-resistant trees is another addition to a deer-prevention program. Unfortunately, few fruit trees that thrive in the northeastern United States are resistant to deer. At best, some fruit trees are not "deer preferable." But if deer are hungry enough, especially in winter, they will eat pretty much any fruit.
Sun-resistant grasses are plants resistant to the sun's negative effects. These grasses don't need much water and thrive under the strong rays of the sun, according to Treehugger. Many American lawns are still composed of bluegrass, which require much water. There are more suitable grasses for hot environments.
In many areas of the country deer have become the scourge of gardeners and small farmers alike, nibbling away at whatever tastes good or what might strike their fancy in passing. Growing plants that deer generally don't like, either because vegetation or stems are prickly or they taste bad due to bitterness, is a good nonviolent strategy for deterring deer -- though completely fencing your property is the only foolproof protection plan. Deer generally dislike potatoes and other plants in the nightshade family, which is known for its toxic plants.
Holly berry bushes offer year-round beauty in the home landscape with their attractive foliage and berries. Clipping branches from the shrub after the berries appear and preserving them with drying allows you to enjoy this plant in floral arrangements. Methods that work well for drying holly berry branches include glycerin and air-drying, both offering different results.
Herbicide-resistant crops are genetically modified plants that were created to withstand the dispersal of herbicide to kill weeds. Herbicide-resistant crops allow for the use of non-selective or broad spectrum herbicides when managing weeds that endanger crops. Non-selective herbicides are more effective than selective herbicides at killing weeds, leaving fewer of them standing and thereby removing more weeds that threaten crops. They also provide more flexibility to farmers for when they distribute herbicides.
Pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and similar chemical formulations have been used for centuries in agriculture and gardening as a method for battling natural threats to cultivated plants. These chemicals can be indispensable weapons in the battle to save your plants, but they are accompanied by certain drawbacks as well. Among these drawbacks is that the insects, plants and fungi targeted by the chemicals can often develop a resistance to the active chemical, forcing the grower to use more and more of the products to achieve the same effect. Understanding the causes of herbicide resistance in weeds, for instance, can help you…
Sweeping mountain views may bless high-altitude landscapes, but those landscapes come with their own special set of problems. Not every hedge plant is capable of framing those vistas. High-altitude plants must cope with abbreviated growing seasons, stony, alkaline or heavy clay soils, frigid winter temperatures and fierce winter storms. Despite the challenges, many ornamental hedge plants thrive at elevations of 4,500 feet or higher.
The Honey Rose honeysuckle is a Lonicera korolkowii hybrid that was introduced by the University of Minnesota in 1994. It is a semi-evergreen perennial shrub, which means that it loses its leaves each fall in cold-winter climates but grows new leaves the following spring. While not considered deer resistant, it does have certain attributes that make it a desirable and useful landscape shrub.
Yarrow (Achillea spp.) is a low-growing perennial with feathery leaves that naturally produces bloom clusters in red, yellow or white. Many hybrid varieties produce other shades of red or purple-red shades as well. Yarrow spreads in a clumping habit and also produce copious seeds when they are fertilized by pollinators.
Deer and other wildlife do enjoy berries -- and a wide variety of berries, too, including those from many native shrubs found in fields and forests. They also enjoy plump, juicy berries carefully grown by gardeners for human consumption. There are many possible reasons -- and strategies -- for planting berries for deer.
Deer feed on a wide variety of flowers, trees and shrubs. While deer favor certain plants, any plant or shrub may be eaten if they are hungry. Preventing damage is best accomplished with fencing and deer repellents. Begonias are commonly found in home gardens, but are a preferred food source for deer and often suffer extensive damage.
Deer often browse around yards and gardens in search of food--especially in urban settings when natural food sources become scarce. Arborvitae are evergreens that are often placed in home gardens as specimen trees. Some species of arborvitae are deer-resistant, while others are a preferred food source.
Gardeners in most areas of the United States must deal with deer feeding on their plants. These pests may cause severe damage to trees, shrubs and flowers, leaving the landscape looking unkempt. This is a highly difficult, if not impossible, situation to remedy, as keeping deer out altogether is a tricky prospect. Growers have turned to planting deer-resistant plants, which are less likely to be damaged. Unfortunately, azaleas, a common garden shrub, are not among these species.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, winter temperatures in Zone 7 can drop as low as zero degrees Fahrenheit. This zone extends from eastern Virginia south through North Carolina, South Carolina and northern Georgia. From Georgia it extends west through northern Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas and central Texas. It also occurs in a few isolated locations in New Mexico, Nevada and California. Several insect and disease resistant trees and shrubs thrive in Zone 7.
While many gardeners invest time and money into measures that will keep deer away from their gardens, some wish to do just the opposite -- grow plants that will draw deer to their property. People plant forage for deer because they enjoy either watching or hunting deer. Realize that no matter how ideal a food plot you cultivate, deer will not be attracted to it unless the surrounding habitat is poor. If the area around your property contains abundant natural food, deer will get the nutrition they need far away from your house. However, when natural foods are scarce, deer…
Deer can ruin the best gardening intentions, and the only effective way to keep these varmints out of your garden is to install fencing. If that's not possible, you can plant flowers and shrubs that don't readily appeal to them. Keep in mind, however, that, if their favorite plants aren't available, they'll eat just about anything to ward off starvation.
The white, delicate blooms and rose-like appearance, make gardenias a favored addition to any home garden. These flowers grow together in bunches on evergreen shrubs that reach heights of up to 8 feet tall. Each flower is embraced by glossy, medium-green oblong, shaped foliage with pointed tips. Choose gardenias if you want a low-maintenance shrub that produces stunning blooms in the spring and summer months.
Deer prefer eating many other flowers and plants aside from gardenia bushes or Gardenia jasminoides. Charlotte Glenn of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension lists gardenia as seldom eaten by deer when other plants are available. As a general rule, deer avoid eating plants like gardenia that smell strongly.
Deer are herbivores that feed on a wide variety of plant foods. In the wild, they eat leaves, flowers and twigs from trees. They also consume nuts, berries and seeds, such as acorns, blackberries and blueberries. If the food supply in the wild is scarce, deer may graze shrubs in landscapes. There are a few common shrubs deer eat, so plant these if you want to attract deer or avoid them to keep deer away.
Fast-spreading perennials will quickly fill in an area, sometimes even choking out surrounding plants. For the impatient gardener who wishes to start perennials from seed, these are some of the best -- because as long as the conditions are right, they will germinate and begin to grow in 30 days or less. Most perennials take two to three years before they will flower when started from seed. These perennials will flower between 12 to 20 weeks from the time the seeds begin to grow.
The Japanese skimmia (Skimmia japonica) is a shade-loving evergreen shrub that produces showy flowers in the spring. It thrives throughout U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 6 and 7 and, though not extremely common, is used to add color to the landscape. Though generally hardy, a number of pests, diseases and environmental factors may be responsible for yellow spots on leaves, and they should be treated as soon as possible to prevent irreparable damage.
Deer damage both rural and urban landscaping. It is impossible to keep deer out of a garden area all of the time, according to the University of Vermont Extension System. However, certain systems are effective at reducing landscape damage from deer, including taste and smell repellents, noise deterrents and physical deterrents. Planting deer-resistant plants help reduce the damage to plantings, often helping to protect the money invested in a flower bed. Gardeners turn to several varieties of vinca when planning a deer-resistant landscape.
Clematis is a climbing perennial vine that is popular in home garden for its large flowers and hardy growth habit. Clematis grows on a woody vine that dies down to the ground in cold temperatures. It re-emerges in spring to produce another crop of flowers on long, trailing vines that must be trellised for support. Unfortunately, deer find clematis as attractive as we do and may cause considerable damage to plants.
If deer are browsing your Indiana landscape and causing plant damage, choose deer-tolerant species to grow. Though no plant is deer-proof, certain characteristics, such as foliage type, aromas and tastes, toxin levels and textures, tend to repel deer. Much of the state of Indiana falls within U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 6, which experiences average annual low temperatures to minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit, though a few areas in the northwest of the state are in zone 5, in which lows reach minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
While backyards provide an opportunity to see wildlife up close, deer that eat your plants are a nuisance rather than a joy to watch. By planting shrubs, suitable for shaded areas, that deer do not like to eat, or shrubs with sharp thorns that keep any wildlife away, you can protect your flowers, fruits and vegetables from being destroyed. For added protection, avoid growing plants that deer find particularly tasty.
Some plants are annuals and others are perennials or biennials. Annuals aren't as difficult to grow in your garden as perennials and biennials that must survive outside all year round. Knowing what zone you live in will help you select plants that will thrive and survive in your garden while putting on the best flower show or producing bountiful edibles.
Tulips, a member of the lily family, have vibrant, bell-shaped flowers and elongated, pointed leaves. Traders spread these Persian bulbs throughout Asia and Europe. During the 17th century, newly introduced tulips created a buying frenzy in Holland known as "Tulipmania." Since "tulip" refers to any plant species in the Tulipa genus, there is no single species of tulip which represents the entire genus. Instead, there are approximately 100 species and more than 400 cultivars within the Tulipa genus.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) plant hardiness zone 5 includes areas across the country such as southern Vermont, Lower Michigan, northern Kansas and eastern Oregon. Landscapers looking for a plant suitable as ground cover in zone 5 that features purple summer flowers and the ability to grow in shade, have an option in a cultivar of self-heal (Prunella grandiflora). A member of the mint family, self-heal also goes by the name heal-all, due to its use by Native Americans to alleviate certain ailments.
Perennial plants are found in borders and beds, along walkways and slopes and in well-placed containers. They return year after year, providing gardeners with a worthwhile investment. Make the most of that investment and site your perennials in suitable locations. Most perennials prefer full sun -- five or more hours of direct sunlight each day.
Deer are called "browsers," meaning they browse on the growing tips of plants, shrubs and trees. This leaves a jagged edge to the twigs and branches that have been damaged by feeding deer. When deer numbers are up and food is scarce, they seek food sources in alternative areas. To discourage deer from feasting on your hedges, plant shrubs that are deer resistant.
Most varieties of holly produce red berries, but some, including Bacciflava, Golden Girl and Yellow Berry, produce berries that are yellow. Holly bushes are easy to grow and aren't prone to insects or diseases, and problems that do occur are easy to deal with.
Tulip specie knowledge breeds confidence about what kind to plant, which in turn, ensures that you never run out of color in your garden. Knowing tulip specie and classification (what category the specie falls under) helps you keep a variety of flowers blooming throughout spring. While tulips mainly prefer cooler temperatures, a few species thrive in hot, dry climates, according to Marcia Tatroe, columnist for the Denver Post.
Fast-growing ornamental shrubs that can survive heat and other stressful growing conditions are ideal for establishing a quick and easy hedge or privacy screen. Rather than build a fence, you can also use shrubs as a boundary for a private patio area or as an enclosure for your vegetable or flower cutting garden. Shrubs of all kinds provide shelter and protection for birds and other wildlife. Ornamental shrubs that feature fragrant flowers, feed wildlife or offer unique seasonal color are ideal choices.
When you have a garden you have to be very careful with what kind of vegetables, trees or flower plants you want to sow if you don't want to have problems with animals living around your house pilfering your crop. If your house is located near an wild animal habitat, the best thing to do to avoid them eating your vegetables is to put a fence to stop them. Animals that threaten to eat your vegetables can be really small, like squirrels, or very big, like bears. Do some research about what kind of animals live near your house.
Deer do the most damage to home landscapes at the end of winter, when food supplies are naturally at their lowest. They browse on new shoots, fresh flowers and young leaves, eating plants, shrubs and trees right down to the ground. In areas where the deer population is low, they can often be discouraged from entering the garden by surrounding the property with shrubs such as the cotoneaster. Though they will eat them if motivated by extreme hunger, in general, they seem to dislike cotoneaster foliage and will seek other sources of nutrition, if possible.
Lantana is a showy, flowering plant that is desirable for its brightly colored blooms. Heat-tolerant and attractive, the plant can grow to a maximum height of around 4 feet and width of around 3 feet. Some cultivars spread more than others. Lantana is a particular favorite of home gardeners who struggle with hungry deer populations. Lantana is deer-resistant, which means that it is rarely eaten by deer.
Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) is a common landscaping plant that is highly favored by deer. Deer can do major damage to the plant, often pushing it beyond recovery. Although choosing another type of plant for your yard may be the best option if the deer population in your area is high, there are ways to discourage deer from eating this plant.
As functional as they are eye-catching, ground covers that bloom bring form and function to the garden. Their flowers supply color and, in some cases, fragrance. Their often-colorful, weed-suppressing foliage adds texture. Their roots can reduce soil erosion. While some ground covers have short blooming periods, others flower for months. In either case, these multitaskers provide appealing solutions for those grass-hostile spots.
As they appear in everything from thoughtful bouquets to roadside ditches, it's easy to take flowers for granted. However, these miraculous and beautiful plants have been around for 100 million years or more, enriching the earth's bounty, inspiring paintings and poems and serving as an integral part of the planet's ecosystem. These natural beauties have some interesting histories and characteristics.
If your garden lies within deer habitat, you've probably experienced browse damage. These hungry creatures have a sweet tooth for moist, well-irrigated and fertilized perennials, such as those found in home landscapes. To prevent damage, install fencing; place repellants such as fragrant bars of soap, bone meal or bags of human hair around the garden; and plant perennial seeds that deer tend to pass over in favor of other, more palatable, species. Sow seeds in early spring or late fall. Use a well-drained, sunny site the garden or use a hot bed or cold frame.
If you live in an area with a large deer population but still want to attract birds to your landscape with shrubbery, take heart: several varieties of shrubs attract birds while repelling deer. Though no shrub is completely immune to deer damage, especially in spring or times of drought when other more palatable plants are not available, deer tend to avoid certain species. Birds use these same shrubs for food, shelter and nesting sites.
You don't have to be living in a rural environment for deer to enter your yard and begin feasting on your plants. Deer can invade even urban areas, sometimes enticed by the plants and flowers you grow. Though no plant is safe from a starving deer, there are many perennial plants and flowers that are generally unappealing to the animal.
Historically, foundation shrubs were planted with the intent of hiding the base of a house. Such shrubs were generally less than 6 feet tall and evergreen, so as to provide year-round coverage. Today's shrubs are still small but are often chosen to complement the landscape rather than to obscure a building. If deer damage is a problem in your region, choose deer-resistant shrubs. Species with prickly, hairy or leathery leaves, grayish-green foliage, spiny stems, toxins, bitter tastes and strong aromas tend to deter deer.
Marigolds are members of the Tagetes genus, which contains over 50 species of annual and perennial plants. These members of the sunflower family are native to North and South America, but are grown as ornamental flowers in areas all over the world. Many species have a pungent, musky smell, and are grown to deter insects and nematodes from attacking other flowers and garden vegetables. Marigolds also offer some resistance to deer, rabbits and other animals.
When selecting trees and shrubs for your landscape, you probably consider soil, moisture and light requirements and temperature ranges within your U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone. If you live in deer habitat, you also need to consider how to prevent deer damage. These hungry creatures love to browse on tender twigs, buds and new growth of shrubs and trees, especially during spring or droughts.
A hardy garden will attract all kinds of pests. One of the most difficult to deter is the shy and timid deer. Although they are lovely to behold, they can quickly make a meal out of an entire garden. Keeping them out of your garden can be tough, but you can keep their munching to a minimum by adding a few plants that deer hate to eat.
Two plants are known by the common name vinca. The name is just about the only thing the plants have in common: One is a perennial ground cover for shade and the other is a mounding annual for sun. Despite the confusing name, it's not hard to tell the two plants apart.
Vines can cover unsightly fences or buildings in the landscape, as well as fill in empty vertical spots or create privacy screens around porches or patios. Some vines repel deer as well. Although no plant is completely deer-proof, deer generally find plants with aromatic foliage or flowers, toxic leaves, strong or bitter tastes and thick sap unattractive. Other deer turnoffs include pointy, hairy or leathery leaves. To keep deer away, choose perennial vines with these deer-repelling characteristics.
Foraging deer can do a great deal of damage to garden foliage. Wildlife will eat whatever food is most available, and this makes unfenced garden plants a prime food source. If you live in an area where deer forage in gardens for tasty plants, you may be looking for flowers that deer will not eat because of their toxic quality, their prickly foliage or their strong odor.
Gardeners who live in deer-occupied, mountainous regions face a double whammy. Not only do high-altitude regions tend to have short growing seasons, extreme temperature ranges and dry soils, deer prefer moist, nutrient-rich plants, such as those found in landscapes. Though no plant is deer-proof, especially in spring or when deer are pregnant or nursing, some plant species both tolerate high altitudes and repel deer.
Javelinas are desert dwelling wild pigs originating in the southwestern United States and into Central and South America. They are animals with a strong sense of smell that often eat foliage and roots of garden plants. Additionally, they tend to dig up plants they don't eat, causing damage to the plant, roots and soil. This activity can be difficult to recover from, and frequently results in plant death. Since javelina may be difficult to get rid of, selecting javelina-resistant plants can be an ideal solution.
Texas gardeners must deal with a variety of wildlife, from possums to squirrels, armadillos to skunks. However, none cause quite as much damage as hungry deer. Whether they're browsing on tender new growth, eating the first blossoms of spring or girdling young tree trunks with their antlers, deer can wreak havoc in a Texas landscape. To deter these pesky varmints, plant species of flowering shrubs that deer tend to avoid.
Deer, with their voracious appetites, may possibly be the largest garden pests around. No plants are entirely deer proof -- deer eat anything if they are hungry enough -- but deer steer away from some plants if there are more attractive choices available. These include plants with thorns or hairs, poisonous plants and plants that have a strong fragrance. Most deer-resistant vines fall into this final category.
Choosing landscaping materials in areas with high deer populations can be tricky. Deer browsing can damage or destroy many common landscape plants, making it essential that you select plants that deer do not like to eat.
A deer-resistant plant is one that deer generally do not eat, for any number of reasons. However, that doesn't mean it won't get some deer damage if the population is particularly high or if there's a shortage of their normal foods. Deer-resistant flowers and plants have a better chance in areas where deer are a problem in gardens; however, finding plants that are both deer resistant and shade tolerant can give you a run for you money. It's all about balancing the plants' need with the environment you can provide.
Herbicide resistance occurs when a plant develops immunity to a particular herbicide that had previously controlled its growth. Few plants resist all forms of herbicide. However, using the same herbicide in one spot for a long period increases the chance of herbicide resistance. Resistant plants tend to be aggressive, resilient species of weeds. Some commercial crop plants now have herbicide resistance.
If you live in an area where deer roam your yard often, you may enjoy seeing these graceful animals rest on your property. However, if your plants are experiencing significant damage from late autumn to the beginning of spring, this could be a result of the deer eating the leaves and fruits. To keep your garden intact all year long, it's best to include some attractive plants that aren't attractive to deer.
No plant is deer proof. Deer are opportunistic feeders with voracious appetites and may try any plant at least once. Even plants with a low-susceptibility to deer browsing may be attacked Unfortunately, arborvitae happens to be one of the most browsed plants.
When choosing plants, it's important to consider factors such as climate and local pests. Hardiness zones separate the U.S. into regions based on the lowest average annual temperature. Zone five includes regions that reach temperatures of minus 10 to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit and stretches from higher elevations in central Oregon, to eastern Idaho, through north-central Colorado, across Nebraska, Iowa and Wisconsin in the mid-west, and through upstate New York to southern Maine. Deer roam in many of these areas. To minimize deer damage in your zone-five landscape, plant deer-resistant species.
Depending on the season, a 125-to-250-pound buck will consume between 4,000 and 6,000 calories a day. Nuts and seeds make up the bulk of their diet in the fall, supplemented with twigs and buds in the winter and early spring. By late spring, the smorgasbord begins, with your vegetable garden providing the main attraction. Keeping produce long enough to put it on your table requires a multifaceted approach to deer control.
Although thousands of annual and perennial plants are available to grow, certain varieties are more popular than others. Availability, ease of care, length of bloom cycle and the hardiness range all contribute to the popularity of the selected plants and make them tried-and-true garden additions.
Deer will eat nearly any plant if they get hungry enough, but they prefer some plants over others. Deer-resistant plants are those that deer largely ignore as long as there is a more palatable food source in the area. The list of June-blooming, deer-resistant perennials isn't long, but it provides a variety of choices for a summer garden.
A high deer population can cause problems for homeowners. For example, they can eat garden plants, pose a risk for local traffic and be a general nuisance. While deer are more active in the fall, they may come into people's yards in the summer looking for food. There are a number of ways homeowners who live near large deer populations can control deer in the summer.
Deer are a common North American mammal that are often seen wherever conditions are favorable or their survival. They often move into home landscapes to feed when native food is scarce. Homeowners who live where the soil is alkaline may experience more damage from browsing deer, because thin, calcareous soils don't often support lush native plant growth all year. Hungry deer will eat almost any plant, but some lime-loving plants are more deer resistant than others.
It does not matter if you live in the city limits or way out in the country; deer are a problem for gardeners. Deer eat many vegetables that home gardeners plant. However, a few deer find less enticing. Getting rid of deer is a matter of trial and error. Choose from a variety of deer deterrents, since what works for one gardener may not work for another.
Some gardeners plant whatever they like and then implement measures to keep hungry critters out of the garden -- or at least away from their favorite flowers. To that end, gardeners turn to fencing, repellents and, in the case of rabbits, trapping the offenders. A more natural and perhaps more effective solution is to populate your garden with deer- and rabbit-resistant flowers.
Daylilies are easy-to-grow repeat-bloomers that add color to the garden in summer and fall. The flowers are sturdy growers, adapting to poor soils and even salt, though daylilies will not grow in moist soil. With tender care, daylilies will produce more vibrant flower blossoms, so extra time and attention will pay off. Deer, rabbits and other pests may be attracted to daylilies, creating problems in the garden.
Not many gardeners have the luxury, or good luck, of living in an area that poses no challenges to plants. Whether you face drought, hungry deer, salt spray from a nearby ocean, hot sun or wildfires, certain plants can thrive in these difficult conditions. For a lush, healthy garden, choose resistant plants. Putting the right plant in the right place allows your garden or landscape to thrive, even in the face of adversity.
In the woods, deer are a sight to see and are usually pointed out with joy by hikers and passers-by. However, in a yard or garden, deer are another issue -- a pest. It can be disheartening to walk in the garden on a spring morning and find every tulip bloom you laborious planted the previous fall snapped off at the top, leaving you only a green stem to admire. While deer do need to eat and you can't save every plant, planting certain plants can keep deer away and others deer won't touch at all.
Deer-resistant shade-loving shrubs offer two landscaping benefits: They put color and texture into what could otherwise be a dull spot in your yard, and they can be used as a barrier to help keep deer away from plants the animals would otherwise devour. Before putting in a wide hedge or stand of these shrubs around susceptible plants, be sure the deer in your area will avoid it.
Deer are year-round pests that can destroy a garden. Gardeners have gone to great lengths to keep deer out -- dogs, fences, scarecrows -- only to have the deer come back again and again. The best way to keep a garden deer free is to plant deer-resistant plants. This won't guarantee you a garden free of deer, but will lessen your chances of them. The best deer-resistant plants tend to have some characteristic that makes them undesirable to deer. This can be an odor, a taste or texture. Looking for these qualities will help you find the best deer-resistant plants…
Deer are frequent visitors in a number of residential yards, and often return to home landscapes to feed on the edible plants that make up the lawn or garden. If you enjoy having deer in your yard but want to keep your decorative plants intact, there are a number of attractive grasses to plant for this purpose.
Since the 1930s, Florida's white-tailed deer population grew from 20,000 to more than 700,000. When deer lose habitat, their natural food sources shrink. Mature deer consume about 4 lbs. of food daily. Damage to agricultural crops and ornamental plantings increases when hungry deer turn to irrigated and fertilized landscape plants for nourishment. A combination of fences, deer repellents and deer-resistant plant species can help keep deer from damaging your Florida landscape.
One way to save your landscaping from being a meal for hungry deer is to grow shrubs that they will not eat. Deer-resistant shrubs include such qualities as spines or hair on the leaves, foliage that is leathery or thick and shrubs with strongly scented flowers. Deer may avoid these types of shrubs consistently; but even with these qualities, a very hungry deer will brave almost anything for a meal.
A fast-growing annual flower, the cleome, or spider flower, hails from south-central South America. Sunny weather and warm soil cause seeds to germinate, and the plants prosper until frost kills plants. In regions with long growing seasons, multiple generations of spider flowers grow in one year. As the flowers fade and drop seeds, they germinate and replace the parent plant, which withers.
Deer can be pesky problems in the home garden. They often munch and enjoy a gardener's prized plants, damaging entire gardens in the process. If you have problems with deer, consider growing plants that are considered deer resistant. These plants tend to be bitter, spicy or have a strong aroma. Deer also avoid plants that are prickly and tough. In the Northeast, there are many plants to grow in your garden that are rarely or are seldomly damaged by deer.
Deer live near homes and building landscapes in many parts of the country, and they sometimes destroy gardens by eating their plants. They especially ruin the purpose of bedding plants, which gardeners plant to look attractive. Gardeners can try to protect plants with nets or fences, although deer resistant plants offer a more attractive alternative unsightly physical barriers to deer. Luckily, deer avoid many types of trees, shrubs, ground covers and even edible herbs.
Deer are notoriously indiscriminate eaters, which is bad news for outdoor gardens. While homeowners commonly use fences and other structures to protect vegetable plants from deer, choosing deer-resistant vegetables is another option. All deer-resistant vegetables have chemicals or other qualities that make them undesirable to deer. Keep in mind, however, that being deer-resistant is not the same as being deer-proof: Hungry deer may still munch on deer-resistant plants.
Deer can cause a great deal of harm to your yard or garden in a short period. Whether they're nibbling on new hedge growth, nipping the buds off rosebushes or rubbing the velvet from their antlers on trees--and destroying the bark in the process--deer can present a pest problem. Deer tend to avoid native plants in favor of non-native ornamentals. Choosing native plants whenever possible can help prevent deer damage.
If you have a garden--but live in an area where deer visit your yard--you'll need to select plants that are not appealing to deer to keep your flowers intact. A number of annual plants are deer-proof or deer-resistant, with bold colors and shapes that will make your garden fragrant and beautiful.
Annuals live out their entire life cycle within one year. They will emerge from seed, flower, produce seed and die. During their short life span, they serve the gardener by providing a rich flush of colorful blossoms. Highly versatile, there is an annual for every planting location in the garden. In regions that suffer from browsing deer, the home gardener will have to choose deer-resistant plants to last throughout the growing season.
When it comes to providing local wildlife with a menu of edible plants, colorful gerbera daisies, often referred to as gerber daisies, should be included on the column of favorable foods.
Bugs, birds and weeds are not the only pests that can plague gardeners; four-footed foes pose problems, too. Deer cause the worst damage to the home landscape in late winter and early spring, when their natural food supply is depleted. However, even when hungry, deer feast on some plants and turn up their noses at others. Drastically reduce deer damage by installing the bushes and shrubs they naturally avoid.
Annuals that are rarely damaged by deer are not resistant to deer but are unpleasant and deer tend to stay away from them. No plant is 100 percent deer-resistant because hungry deer will eat any plant available. The best way to keep deer from eating your flower beds is to garden with plants deer avoid in combination with a deer repellent.
In many parts of the United States, deer populations have increased to the point that they are a serious nuisance for gardeners, consuming anything they can find. This results in yards and gardens stripped bare of expensive shrubs and flowers, unless those plants are deer-resistant.
If you are interested in attracting deer to your property, one of the best ways is to use plants that deer like to eat. These include trees, flowers, shrubs and groundcovers. Deer are attracted to groundcovers because they like to eat low-growing, fresh and succulent grass, buds and foliage.
Approximately 4 million white-tailed deer live in Texas, more than any other state in the United States. As natural habitat shrinks and human development spreads, deer increasingly turn to the irrigated and fertilized plants in yards and gardens as a source of food. Deer cause plant damage by browsing foliage and twigs and by rubbing antlers on tree and shrub bark. Though a completely deer-proof plant does not exist, certain plants offer more resistance to Texas's many deer.
Hungry deer love to browse on moist, tender and well-fertilized plants -- just like the kind found in yards and gardens. In fact, deer obtain up to one third of their daily moisture requirements from the foliage of irrigated or young plants. Deer will eat almost any plant, especially in the spring or summer, when pregnant or nursing, or in time of drought, but some species prove less palatable to deer.
Although you see a well-tended landscape, to a deer your garden is a buffet of tender plants. Especially in times of drought or in early spring, a hungry deer can decimate a garden overnight. While there is no such thing as a deer-proof plant, according to North Carolina State University, there are plants that deer habitually avoid and will grow in the partial to full shade found around many deer habitats.
Shady locations in the garden provide a welcome retreat from the sun's harsh rays, especially if such sites are visually appealing. There are a variety of plants that thrive in full-shade conditions.
Deer will eat almost anything when hungry, so no plant is deer-proof. However, deer seem to prefer certain plants over others. Choose plants rated as deer-resistant and consider placing barriers, such as cloches over them in early spring when they first emerge.
Though a completely deer-resistant plant does not exist, deer tend to avoid some species, especially when planted with more palatable plants. Deer are especially attracted to irrigated plants with young, tender growth. Native plants tend to offer more deer resistance, as do older and woodier plants. Using resistant plants in the landscape in conjunction with fencing, exclusion devices, deer repellents and scare tactics, such as water sprinklers or lights, can help keep deer from damaging your landscape.
Torenia plants are commonly called wishbone flowers and are sometimes mistakenly called toremia plants. They are considered deer-resistant but they are not deer proof. No plant is deer proof, according to a web page on the North Carolina State University website.
The iconic summer flowering garden staple, the marigold, has long been considered a plant that naturally repels a host of crawling insects and wildlife from your garden. Employ natural and physical methods of keeping those that find them appealing away.
Deer can cause a variety of problems for farmers, gardeners and homeowners, not the least of which is that many of the plants that people find attractive, deer find delicious. Texas has no shortage of deer, but fortunately this state can also support a wide range of shrubs that deer prefer not to eat.
Seaside, roadside or countryside hedges are all subject to chemical overspray and soil contamination that threaten their health. Many native shrubs and shrubs have adapted to chemicals in their environments and are chemical-tolerant. They may not escape entirely unscathed but some pruning and extra attention will easily restore them to health.
Several different plants share the common name "ice plant." Delospermas have bright flowers and succulent leaves. A related plant, Carpobrotus, is also called ice plant. Glistening, water-storing cells cover the stems of Mesembryanthemum. All ice plants are insect-resistant.
The buckthorn genus, Rhamnus, contains about 125 species of shrubs and trees, mostly found in the Northern Hemisphere. While hungry deer will eat almost anything, the animals do not often damage buckthorn.
No plant or tree is completely deer-proof, because deer will eat almost anything when they are hungry. Plants with thorns and fruits with hard outer shells, however, may discourage deer.
Hedges are an important aspect of landscaping and farmscaping. In home gardens hedges provide privacy, screen off unattractive views, provide wind and snow protection and mark property boundaries. On organic farms hedgerows provide homes for the birds, beneficial insects and wildlife that create a productive environment for agricultural crops. Hedgerows also prevent water runoff to streams and lakes. Hedges can be damaged by exposure to toxic agricultural chemicals.
Though they readily graze fresh new grass in the spring and munch on fallen acorns in autumn, the deer of North America are primarily browsers: That is, they most commonly feed on the leaves and wood of shrubs and small trees. The white-tailed, mule and black-tailed deer as a whole inhabit much of North America, and essentially all of the lower 48 states, and thus collectively feast on a huge array of shrubs. (Bigger members of the deer family are also found on the continent: elk, moose and caribou.) Wildlife managers and homeowners are interested in the plants most attractive…
Due to expanding urban sprawl, deer invading gardens is a pesky problem for some homeowners. However, a few simple strategies will help you keep your vegetables and plants safe from these four-legged trespassers.
Coral bells (Heuchera sp.) are included among the deer resistant perennials. The Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station lists the plants as seldom severely damaged by deer.
Due to factors such as increasing deer populations, encroaching development and loss of habitat, more deer are turning to gardens and yards for food. Some plants, such as salvia and batista, offer more deer resistance than others.
Perhaps more than other garden pests, such as squirrels and skunks, hungry deer can cause irreparable damage to plants in your garden. Keeping deer out can be a challenge, but a combination of fencing, repellents and deer-resistant plants, such as saponaria, can help.
Shrubs add texture and color to a landscape and, when grown as hedges, maximize privacy. However, many shrub species attract deer. If you live in Texas deer country, choose fast-growing shrub species that deer find unpalatable.
Deer cause plant damage by browsing and by rubbing antlers on tree bark. Several dwarf plant species can help repel deer, especially when used in combination with repellents or fences.
Gold thread cypress is another name for Chamaecyparis pisifera Gold Thread, a low-growing, evergreen variety that sports golden/green sprays of foliage instead of the solid green sprays of its relatives. Many vendors tout its deer-resistant properties. Sources differ on exactly how deer resistant the plants are.
Hedges can add many benefits to your Texas landscape, from privacy to sound and wind barriers. Many deer find hedge plants tasty, though. To avoid deer damage, choose deer-resistant shrub varieties that grow well in Texas.
Hungry deer will munch on just about anything, so no plant is deer-proof. Plants and vines with soft growth and tender buds and flowers are naturally more tempting to deer than plants with woody or prickly growth or strong odors.
Since 1994, white-tailed deer damage in southwest Virginia gardens has increased. Repelling hungry deer can pose a challenge, but certain plants don't taste as good to them. When planted in conjunction with a fence, these plants may help deter deer from your southwestern Virginia landscape.
There are more than 200 clematis species and most are deciduous vines. They are a popular garden plant because of their unique flower shape and the multitude of colors of their blooms. They blossom in pink, red, blue, lavender, purple, white and cream. A number of factors determine whether deer will eat clematis.
Red yarrow, also called Achillea millefolium or thousand-leaf, is a flowering plant in the daisy family. Wild yarrow is normally white, while the red variety commonly grows in gardens. This plant resists the browsing habits of deer, making it a useful addition to landscaping designs in areas where deer are a problem.
Though there's no such thing as a completely deer-proof plant in central Oregon, some plants do offer more resistance than others. Deer interest in garden plants depends on factors such as the time of year, deer species and especially which other food sources are available.
Deer love to eat moist, well-fertilized plants, such as those found in gardens, yards and landscapes. To repel deer, choose plant species with rough or prickly foliage, bitter taste or strong odors. Bleeding heart offers deer-deterring properties.
Deer are notorious for munching on garden plants. During harsh winters and in areas where food supplies are low, deer will eat just about anything. Varying and combining deterrent options minimizes grazing damage.
Keeping deer away from your Georgia garden can be challenging. Deer gravitate toward moisture- and nutrition-rich plants. Plants with a bitter taste, spiny or rough foliage or a strong fragrance can deter deer.
Gardeners in New Brunswick, N.J., may have to deal with unwanted visitors. Deer love to snack on moist, well-fertilized plants. In order to reduce deer damage in the landscape, choose deer-resistant shrubs that thrive in the New Brunswick area.
Gardeners in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 4 have to consider deer resistance when choosing summer-blooming plants, because deer love to snack on flowers. Zone 4 includes parts of the northern tier of the U.S. and some Western and Midwestern states.
Whether they're snacking on garden flowers or rubbing their antlers on landscaping trees, deer can cause damage. Though deer will eat almost any plant if they're hungry enough, some species are less attractive. Combine a deer-proof fence and deer-resistant plants to minimize deer problems in your garden.
Two plants are referred to by retailers as butterfly plant: butterfly bushes (Buddleia) and butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa). Both are hardy, vigorous plants that draw a variety of butterflies to the home garden, even one favored by grazing deer.
Deer obtain one-third of their water by eating irrigated plants, such as those grown in gardens and landscapes. To avoid deer damage, you can use fencing, repellent or choose plant species that deer don't find as tasty. The Koelreuteria paniculata, also called golden raintree or panicled goldenraintree, can deter deer.
The two most common plant types are annuals and perennials. While annual and perennials have different growth habits, climate and geographical location can cause an annual to behave as a perennial, or vice versa. Each plant has a United States Department of Plant Hardiness Zone classification based on the geographical location and the plant toleration of hot and cold climates.
Gardeners with shady lawns and gardens and pesky deer have a double whammy when planning their landscapes. Though deer will eat almost any available plant if they are hungry or in times of drought, certain shade-tolerant species don't taste as good.
Though deer will eat almost anything in times of drought or hunger, many find certain plants less attractive. The only surefire way to fend off deer involves placing fences or mesh around plants, but you can prevent some deer damage by filling your landscape with deer-resistant species.
Though deer are lovely to observe, they can cause damage to your garden. Avoid deer problems by planting deer-resistant evergreen species. Though deer will snack on any plant if they're hungry enough, some plants naturally repel deer.
Though gardeners may strive to attract wildlife such as hummingbirds, butterflies and honeybees to their yards, not all wild visitors are as welcome. Deer consider your Southeastern U.S. garden to be their personal buffet. Plant deer-resistant plant species to minimize damage.
Many gardeners take delight in sharing their suburban or rural landscape with wild visitors. Some, such as the bumblebee or butterfly, are welcome, but others, such as deer, can cause damage. You can protect your garden by planting deer-resistant foliage.
Planting on a bank or hill presents challenges. Steps must be taken to keep plant moisture where plants can utilize the water. Plant selection is important when you have frequent visitors that like to munch on the local greenery, such as deer. With a little care and the right perennials, shrubs and ground-cover plants, a bank can be turned into an attractive part of your landscape without becoming the main course for local wildlife.
Minnesota and Wisconsin have climates that yield cold, harsh winters and hot summers. Gardeners need cold-hardy perennials that withstand extreme weather systems that travel through this region, bringing thunderstorms, high winds and tornadoes.
A completely deer-resistant perennial doesn't exist. Hungry deer populations affected by diminishing food supplies will eat anything if it means survival. Various cooperative extension offices, including those in Michigan, place plants in four categories in relation to deer diet: rarely damaged, seldom severely damaged, occasionally damaged and frequently damaged. Homeowners can plant those that are categorized as rarely or seldom severely damaged without significant deer problems.
In certain areas of the country, homeowners often experience the frustration of having their landscape plantings destroyed by deer. Deer eat a wider range of trees, flowers and shrubs, often feeding on the growing tips of plants. To avoid having your landscape ruined by hungry deer, selecting plants that deer are unlikely to eat is typically the best solution. There are several shrubs that deer usually do not eat, which can make effective hedge, barrier, screen and border plants for your property.
Deer are a frequent problem in urban landscapes where the animals feed on a variety of other plants besides fruits and vegetables. Planting deer-resistant perennials is among the best ways to minimize deer damage. A number of perennials are deer-resistant and have adapted to growing in areas of sun.
Gardeners whose plants are often damaged by deer are always looking for deer-resistant plant varieties. One evergreen shrub, Japanese skimmia, can play an important role in creating a deer-resistant garden.
If you have a vegetable garden you may also have a problem with deer. Deer love vegetables, and will raid and often destroy vegetable gardens. Fortunately, you can help keep deer away from your garden by planting deer-resistant plants.
While no plant is completely deer-proof, deer resist the urge to eat some plants most of the time. Biologists speculate that texture, taste and toxicity may make some plants less interesting to deer.
Deer like to feed on perennial ornamental plants. The animals can wipe out residential landscapes in areas that overlap traditional deer habitats. Planting deer-resistant perennials will deter the animals from feeding in your yard.
Catawba County is located in west-central North Carolina. The biggest city in the county is Hickory. Formed in 1842, the 405-square-mile Catawba County is full of interesting historical facts.
No plant is absolutely safe from deer. Weather conditions, the availability of other food sources, even the geographical area of the country affect deer eating habits. Central Texas does have several plant species that deer tend to avoid most of the time.
No trees are totally deer-resistant. However, certain spruce trees deter deer from your garden or landscaped area. Deer do not like the taste, texture or smell of these spruce trees, and they usually will not snack on or anywhere near them. The only sure way to keep deer away is with high fences that they cannot jump.
Minnesota enjoys an abundant variety of wildlife including deer. In some areas, homes are built where deer frequently feed. If native grains are not available, deer may turn to home landscapes to feed. A gardener's best defense is a good offense. Horticulturists in Minnesota recommend planting perennials that are distasteful to deer due to toxicity or their fragrance and texture.
In areas of the United States with large deer populations, it is not uncommon to find the deer grazing in a yard, making a quick meal of many landscape plants. Some plants, like the American holly, are rarely bothered by the deer.
Fencing is a much-recommended method of keeping deer out of your garden. However, most deer fences must be at least 8 feet high and can prove a somewhat unsightly addition to your landscape. There are several good strategies for hiding the fence and one is sure to suit your tastes and budget. Another strategy is to build a fence you don't need to hide, such as a post-and-rail or picket double fence (two 4-foot-high fences).
There are hundreds of choices of deer-resistant perennials that grow in part shade to full sun. Gardeners can select plants that don't appeal to the deer's sense of smell or taste, or those that are fuzzy or thorny. Deer will normally leave these plants alone if there is abundant food in nature. If there is a severe shortage of food for deer, they will eat almost anything.
Herbicide-resistant or genetically modified organism (GMO) crops are genetically modified so that the crops are not affected by herbicides and pesticides. This allows farmers to spray weed-killing herbicides without adversely affecting the crop even during the sensitive stages. According to GMO Compass, herbicide-resistant crops degrade the active herbicide ingredient, making it harmless to the crop. This site, however, states that there is controversy surrounding the use of GMOs, since they can reduce the number of wild plants on a farm.
Dahlias are "low" on the list of a deer's favorite foods, according to the American Dahlia Society. However, deer preference for your plants may vary, depending on their needs and your garden's other tasty treats.
Urban sprawl has resulted in humans interacting more with wildlife. This can be frustrating to the gardener whose flowers and shrubs are more like a deer buffet. Use of plants and shrubs that deer don't like can help repel them.
You might wonder if it is actually possible to grow any type of vegetables in rural areas where deer forage through your property. Of course, you can build an extremely high fence surrounding your vegetable garden, but it would have to be at least 8 feet, since deer can jump to those heights. They also might eat a certain plant this year that they never seemed to be interested in past years. There doesn't seem to truly be a deer resistant vegetable if deer are hungry enough, but there are ones they are less likely to have interest in.
Short of enclosing your garden in a 7-foot fence, planting deer-resistant shrubs is the surest way to encourage deer to feed elsewhere. Deer tend to avoid highly aromatic plants, those with thorny, prickly or hairy leaves and poisonous plants. In early spring when plants have tender new growth, and at times when deer populations are high and food is scarce, deer will eat almost anything.
Deer are destructive of plants, shrubs and trees, especially during the blooming season. Deer also attack plants when food is scarce. If you have deer in your area, place plants that deer do not like in your front yard or other areas where the deer access. If you currently have plants that deer are eating, move them to a different, protected location, or protect them with deer repellent or fencing.
Ranunculus, also known as buttercup, can have a bitter taste, according to the King County, Washington website. This means that deer, as well as livestock and horses, find this plant to be offensive, and leave it alone.
Hibiscus is a perennial flower that blooms for many seasons. Deer sometimes like to eat this plant, especially if other sources of food are scarce. This means gardeners should be vigilant in watching for signs of damage to these flowers.
Many homeowners in rural areas struggle with ways to keep deer away from their flowers, shrubs and vegetables. Pachysandra is one plant that deer do not enjoy eating and rarely destroy.
Rose Creek Abelia, or Abelia xgrandiflora, was released in 2001 as a very drought-tolerant, evergreen shrub with white flowers that grows about 3 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. It can grow as a hedge, in a flowerbed or in a container.
Deer are graceful creatures, but they can invade your yard and eat your roses and vegetables. St. Louis and Branson, Missouri are located in USDA climate zone 6. You can grow certain plants in this zone that deer will not eat.
Auburn is located in northern California, northwest of Sacramento and in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. According to University of California Cooperative Extension, hardly any plants are totally resistant to deer. This is because if a deer is hungry enough, it will eat just about anything to stay alive. Many plants, however, are less desirable to deer and unlikely to be eaten.
Hydrangea plants attract humans and deer alike. Deer often eat these large plants, destroying them in the process. Several plants repel deer, including daffodils, forsythia, juniper and foxglove. If you still wish to plant hydrangeas despite the deer-attracting tendencies, you can make them less tempting for deer to eat.
Because deer populations in expanded urban areas are growing rapidly, humans and deer increasingly coming into conflict. Hungry herds can decimate landscaping and ruin yards. While there is little you can do personally to manage the numbers of deer over large ranges, there are some things you can do to reduce the numbers in your immediate neighborhood and to keep them from preying on your flowerbeds.
Lavender is a beautiful, reliable perennial, favored for its bright blue blooms and its hearty fragrance. Many gardeners who experience deer damage in their gardens often turn to this shrubby perennial to minimize the impact this pest can have.
Deer can damage landscapes, and using deer-resistant plants helps keep the animals off properties. This includes a wide range of trees. According to the North Carolina State University Extensions site, no plants are deer-proof because hungry animals are likely to eat even the less preferred plants to survive. A number of cedar tree varieties are resistant to deer damage.
Plants can typically survive one or two days of flooding, but an extended period will damage the root system of susceptible plants by depriving them of oxygen. Areas of the garden located in frequent floodplains require plant varieties that can withstand flooding. Gardens planted along rivers, waterways, streams and ponds are also susceptible to rising water levels, so only plant varieties that withstand a water-logged root system.
If deer are damaging your shrubs, it may be time to consider deer-resistant varieties. Fortunately, you have a wide range of shrubs to choose from, including numerous deciduous and evergreen shrubs.
Deer can wreak havoc in vegetable gardens, causing gardeners in many areas a good deal of undue frustration. If this is a problem for you, then you can choose among a variety of deer-resistant plants for your garden.
If you are looking for deer-resistant trees or bushes to add to your landscape, pine trees might be the answer. While no trees are truly "deer-proof," pine trees are seldom damaged by deer. You can also choose among among a wide range of pines that grow to various shapes and sizes.
Known for its fragrant and colorful flowers, honeysuckle is a favorite of gardeners and homeowners all over the country. Honeysuckles are a large family of plants, including both shrub and vine varieties, some of which are more deer-resistant than others.
Lilies are not deer resistant, and they appear on a list of frequently damaged plants published by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension as well as several other authoritative gardening sources.
As suburbs sprawl into new areas, many homeowners find themselves faced with roaming deer populations foraging for food, especially during winter months. Landscapers and gardeners living in these areas must choose shrubs the animals avoid based on their texture, smell or toxicity. Deer damage to landscaping and hedges is usually irreversible. The best defense is the proper choice of plants.
Deer are often a nuisance in Texan landscapes and can inflict damage to a variety of plants including fruit trees, shrubs, vegetable crops and flowering annuals and perennials. This is more of a problem for homeowners living in the suburbs. The use of fences can help to minimize damage caused by the animals. Another option is to use deer resistant varieties of plants that are adapted to growing in Texas. According to the Texas A&M University Extension, a number of flowering and non-flowering evergreen plants can help keep deer out of the garden.
Deer damage to trees and other plants used to be a problem limited to rural areas, but today's deer boldly go into suburban and city neighborhoods to forage. The daylily, an edible plant for humans, is tasty for deer, too.
In full shade rural gardens, gardeners need to overcome the dual problems of lack of light and protecting plants from deer. Deer don't differentiate between cultivated gardens and their native food sources and, especially in times of drought, will enter your garden to feed. The best way to keep deer out of your shade garden is to plant varieties of flowers and plants that are shade-loving but that deer will resist eating.
Deer "browse" is the sign of damage left behind when deer feed on plants, shrubs or trees. In North America it is the white-tailed deer who is responsible for causing most of the damage to outdoor and garden plants. While no plant is completely resistant to deer browsing, certain shrubs are classified as "rarely damaged" by deer.
Deer become a nuisance when they take a liking to your landscaping plant species. No plant is truly safe from the hungriest of white-tailed deer in Pennsylvania, but you can utilize species they typically eschew rather then chew on to increase your odds of their survival. Enough deer-resistant plants occur naturally in the state for you to have several options for your landscaping needs.
If you live in a wooded area, your neighbors may make landscaping difficult, especially if those neighbors are deer. While you may like the aesthetic appeal of your hostas and fruit trees, to a deer, these landscaping plants look like the ingredients for a salad buffet. If you want year round landscaping with aesthetic appeal and deer resistance, you should select plants such as evergreens that are deer resistant.
While no plants are 100 percent deer-resistant, many plants come close. Deer may avoid a certain plant because it is poisonous or because they don't like the taste of it, but if there is little food available, deer will eat even the plants they don't like. Many conifers, mostly in the pine genus, are deer-resistant.
The carefree vinca provides color all summer in flowerpots and the garden. Originating in Madagascar, this tropical plant will often naturalize in warm climate zones. Colorado State University's website suggests planting vinca if you want to deter deer.
A vertical garden, featuring climbing flowers and blooming vines allows gardeners to utilize walls, trellises and arbors as living, planted space. However, planting high climbing flowers does not prevent them from becoming a meal for a visiting deer. Choosing plants with a high deer-resistance rating helps prevent deer from grazing on and destroying the contents of your garden. Deer-resistant flowers typically feature an odor, texture or taste unfavorable to the animals.
Deer are beautiful athletic creatures often seen browsing on vegetation in suburban and rural landscapes. While they are fun and interesting to watch, they often damage expensive perennials planted for color and texture. The best way to prevent deer damage is by planting deer resistant perennials that deer will avoid as long as there are other more desirable plants available for the deer to browse.
Nothing is more disappointing for a gardener than waiting for garden flowers to bloom, only to find the next morning that the neighborhood deer have eaten every blossom. You can still have a blooming flower garden if you select plants deer find unappetizing. No plant is completely deer-proof, but there are many plants that deer bypass either because the flower tastes bad or the scent is repellent.
Deer cause costly damage to landscapes and gardens. Deter deer from your flower garden by planting flowers, shrubs and plants that are deer resistant. Some plants keep deer away because of smell, sight or taste. This is a natural way to protect your garden.
Perennial, evergreen, drought and heat-tolerant, asparagus ferns (Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri' or 'Myers') make dependable additions to the home landscape. They'll even handle light conditions from full sun to full shade. Landscapers love them, but deer don't.
Although no plant is 100-percent deer-proof, there are many the animals don't enjoy eating, including a wide range of evergreen plants. Evergreen plants are usuallyl in the landscape because they retain most of their foliage year-round to create a constant source of color to the garden. With a little research into what evergreen plants are deer-resistant, you decrease the chance of irreparable damage to your evergreens by these pesky animals.
When deer get hungry, they will nibble on just about any plant: evergreen trees, perennial flowers and tender annuals. One type of plant that deer tend to shy away from eating, however, is ornamental grasses. This is good news for any home gardener that has been plagued by deer. While there is no guarantee the deer will stay completely away from your grasses, the chances of them being devoured are much less than many other plants.
Shrubbery can be planted for decorative or privacy purposes around homes or businesses. Whatever the purpose of the shrubs, they may be susceptible to deer occasionally nibbling on them. In order to prevent deer from eating shrubbery, many gardeners opt to plant deer-resistant shrubs. Deer avoid these shrubs naturally, leaving them intact. An added bonus of deer resistant shrubs is that they often repel rabbits as well.
If you live in North Carolina, you have a wide variety of deer-resistant plants to choose from, ranging from trees to grasses. While no plants are truly deer-proof -- deer will eat anything available during times of stress and starvation -- choosing deer-resistant plants will increase the chances of getting your lawn and garden through the year unscathed.
Protect your garden vegetables from deer by planting vegetables that deer do not find appealing. There are vegetables that are deer-resistant to varying degrees. However, it is impossible to speculate that deer will never eat these vegetables. Washington State University reports that there are some vegetable plants that deer tend to avoid, but this is not always the case with every deer.
Starving deer will eat anything available, making no plant truly resistant to this mammal. However, deer have preferences when given a choice, and several evergreen species that grow native to Wisconsin are not their favorites. You can use these evergreens as landscaping plants with reasonable confidence that deer will eat them only as a last resort.
Deer have become garden pests throughout much of the United States. As vegetation in their natural habitats dies, many deer look for food in the home garden. Planting deer-resistant plants helps keep deer away from the landscaping.
Mandevilla sanderi is an evergreen vine also called Dipladenia splendens. Brazilian jasmine is its common name. Named cultivars 'Red Riding Hood' and 'Scarlet Pimpernel' both have funnel shaped deep red blooms.
Fast-growing, hardy, evergreen and even salt-tolerant: What's not to love about the Leyland cypress? Known scientifically as Cupressocyparis leylandii, these popular trees can solve a number of landscape challenges, but they are not immune to pests, including deer.
According to the Texas Department of Agriculture, approximately 4 million white-tailed deer graze in the Lone Star state. Deer rely on their keen sense of smell to aid in foraging. They can leap over 6-foot fences, chew leaves and rub the bark off a plant. Deer readily adapt to the urban landscape where they may also help themselves to a buffet dinner of fresh garden plants.
Wisconsin's climate and rural landscape create a desirable environment for deer. Unfortunately, for many homeowners, a deer's diet includes commonly planted shrubs, trees and flowers. However, there are many plants native to Wisconsin that are deer resistant. In general, plants with fuzzy leaves or strong odors repel deer. Be forewarned that a starving deer may still eat these plants, despite their initial opposition.
Deer-resistant flowers have certain characteristics that make them unattractive to deer. Deer use their sense of smell to determine what is edible. Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener George Morrison advises planting herbs as a method of deterring deer. You can also plant annual flowers with characteristics like scent, prickly leaves or bitter taste that deer avoid. Rutgers University has published research to help gardeners know which flowers are deer-resistant.
First, the good news: Gardeners in the US northwest can find dozens of attractive, deer-resistant trees, shrubs, flowers and grasses. Deer generally dislike plants with needles, spines, thorns, and fuzzy or pungently-scented foliage. Be aware that there is no such thing as a deer-proof plant. Deer will eat pine trees and rose bushes if the herd is large and food is scarce. You can still create a beautiful landscape with plants that are unlikely to tempt them.
Deer are beautiful wild animals, but they become unwelcome visitors very quickly when they feast on your lovely flowers. Often, planting a deer-resistant landscape is easier than doing battle with the wild creatures. Although no plant is 100 percent deer-resistant, and a deer will eat nearly anything if it's hungry enough, deer often avoid plants with rough, scratchy foliage. When it comes to deer-resistant plants, ornamental grasses are at the top of the list.
Deer damage plants in at least three ways: They eat their favorite varieties, trample other varieties, and male deer rub their antlers on tree trunks during mating season. While there's little you can do to prevent the trampling and antler rubbing, when it comes to their eating preferences, you'll find a number of plants that keep deer away.
Losing plants to deer is frustrating to gardeners everywhere. Rutgers Cooperative Extension has been working to develop a comprehensive list of plants resistant to deer. However, no plant is 100 percent repellent to a hungry animal. RCE suggests using tools that deter deer in order to limit damage, like fencing or deer repellent. Knowing what plants have the best chance of surviving browsing deer is the best tool of all.
If you wish to deter deer from munching on your garden, you should consider flowers that are deer resistant. Plants are only considered deer resistant (not deer proof), because some plants will deter deer; however, depending how hungry they are and they could still munch on any plants. Deer rarely eat plants that have a bitter odor, prickly leaves, a bitter taste or coarse hairy leaves.
Deer-resistant shrubs come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are classified further according to their specific growing conditions such as preference for sun or shade. Some shrubs are deciduous while others are evergreen. Many deer-resistant shrubs are toxic. Others are not palatable to the animals because of their rough or bitter leaves or unpleasant odor that deer find repulsive. Deer are naturally attracted to shrubs more than perennials, smaller plants and trees since shrubs are at eye level and hence more easily accessible.
Gardeners can grow a worry-free garden with a selection of deer-resistant climbing plants and vines. Deer do not like the bitter taste, odor and look of these vines. Since few plants are completely deer-proof, knowing which plants are more deer-resistant will better your chances of keeping deer out of your home garden.
Deer eat vegetation, and when sufficient quantities are unavailable in their natural habitat, your garden becomes their food source. The use of deer-resistant plants has become commonplace in areas where deer tend to present a problem. Deer-resistant plants are not deer-proof plants. No plant is deer proof. Deer-resistant plants are those not usually preferred by deer. If hungry enough, deer will eat any type of vegetation, preferred or not.
The need for a permanent solution to "the deer problem" usually begins when people wander out into their yard to discover that these garden trespassers have mowed down some beloved shrubs. Browsers rather than grazers like sheep and horses, deer are happy to sample whatever looks, smells and tastes good. Unfortunately, there isn't a permanent solution. "Deer-proof" plants don't exist, and even deer-resistant ones can disappoint. Holly, though, is a good garden choice for deterring deer.
Deer can cause damage in gardens by eating flowers, fruit and foliage and by polishing their antlers on tree trunks. A variety of plants can be used to deter deer from your garden. These plants keep deer away by an undesirable scent---deer use their sense of smell to determine the safety and desirability of food. Deer ignore plants that are bitter tasting and have hairy, prickly leaves which exude sticky sap, according to the article Camouflage Gardening: Deer-Resistant Plants.
To gardeners in deer territory, it seems that deer will eat anything. According to Native Plant Society of Texas, plants can be called deer resistant, but not deer proof. Deer rely on their sense of smell to determine what is edible and in time of drought, or stress, will enter your garden to dine. If you do not want deer in your garden, it’s important to make note of the plants deer do eat so as not to plant them.
Deer only eat plants, and they see your garden as a buffet prepared especially for them. However, there are plants that deer rarely, if ever, eat. Fill your garden with these plants to reduce the amount of damage that deer will do. Even though these plants are deer-resistant, you should remember that plants are rarely completely deer-proof, so pair these plants with other deer-deterrent strategies.
Deer can be a gardener's nightmare. According to "Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance," featured on the Rutgers: New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station website, there's no entirely deer-resistant plant, but the animals find some types of flora less appealing than others. Some juniper variations are likely to prove unappetizing to deer, according to the Rutgers ranking.
The gardenia bush is one plant that is deer resistant, perhaps because of its heavy scent. Gardenias grow best in areas of the South, from USDA zones 8 to 10, that have both mild summers and winters. Freezes can damage the plant, causing extreme dieback or even death.
If you've ever planted a garden, you realize how upsetting it can be to have all of your hard work and lovely flora munched on by deer. Although they are majestic creatures, deer can be a nuisance to your garden. If you are planting a shade garden, there are several types of plants that you can include in your garden that are deer resistant.
Tiger lilies are quite easy to grow and are often found growing wild without any assistance from humans at all. They provide a lovely display of flowers during the summer and are deer resistant. This is an excellent flowering plant for areas where deer are persistent pests. Plant them along the edges of the yard or in a sunny corner for a lively burst of summer color.
Arborvitae, an evergreen tree or shrub found mostly in the United States and Canada, is commonly used in landscaping as a hedge or wind block. It is a member of the cypress family and comes in many shapes and sizes. Arborvitae is prized among humans as a hardy evergreen but also prized by deer as a favorite food source.
If it isn't possible to exclude deer from the yard, then consider reworking the garden to incorporate some deer-resistant flowers. Deer-resistant plants are not poisonous or harmful in any way; they are simply unattractive to browsing deer. All salvia varieties are distasteful to deer. Salvia splendens is considered an annual in northern climates, but is actually a tender tropical perennial and a native of Brazil. While it cannot tolerate too much direct sunlight, it is easy to sow and to grow and has the added benefit of attracting birds and butterflies.
No tree is "deer proof" but there are trees that are less likely to be damaged by hungry deer. While you can select certain deer-resistant tree species, you should always consider existing weather conditions and the entire deer population in your area when planting. The only way to prevent any damage is to prevent access to trees by fencing and walls.
Deer browsing on plants is a persistent and frustrating problem for gardeners and landscapers around the country. Increased deer populations, rural shift and many other environmental factors have forced deer to wander into gardens and feed on the plants they find, including your hydrangeas. If you live in an area with high rates of deer browsing, your best shot at growing a successful hydrangea is to plant a deer-resistant variety.
Deer love high-energy fruits, including blueberries. In fact, if you have blueberries in your yard and deer ever wander by, they are almost certain to eat your berries. The good news, however, is twofold. One, deer almost never destroy blueberry plants, although they may not be good about leaving berries behind for you. And two, there are things you can do to prevent deer from getting near your blueberry plants.
Deer are opportunistic animals, always on the hunt for food. In recent years, deer numbers have increased, forcing more animals to forage in home gardens as habitat is lost to development. Today, there are over 20 million deer in the United States, with over 800,000 in Illinois alone, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Deer quickly become habituated to the presence of humans, so your garden is not off-limits as a possible food source. Your best solution for preventing deer damage is to plant deer resistant shrubs.
Deer are beautiful creatures, in someone else's yard but, in your yard? Not so much. Learning to use deer repellent tips can save your tender shoots from the gnawing teeth of these gorgeous creatures. With the fading of many deer habitats, deer are becoming more desperate to feed and will feed on almost anything. But, there are some deer repellent tips which may help reduce the deer population in your garden.
Because of the adaptable nature of deer, it can be a challenge to find landscape plants that they will not eat. However, if a shrub is armed with stickers, spines or an unpleasant taste or smell, deer will be more likely to seek out a different food source and leave the shrub alone. For the best success, plant a variety of deer-resistant shrubs to learn what repels the deer in your area and remember that deer resistant does not mean deer proof. .
If you're a gardener who lives in an area heavily populated by deer, you know the heartbreak of seeing your prize plants turned into snacks for browsing bucks. Fortunately, whether you want to grow edible plants or ornamentals, there are many ways to make your garden less attractive to hungry deer--but no less beautiful and useful to you.
Spotting a deer in your backyard for your first time can be an exciting moment. The excitement soon wears off when you realize that it is not just paying you a friendly visit but is there to feast on your edible landscaping. While no plant is deer proof, there are some evergreens that are less palatable to these wild creatures.
Deer are becoming a frequent problem among gardeners and countryside homes alike. Many deer like to feed in the spring when their young are beginning to make their way out from wooded areas and creekside lands. Most deer prefer protein-rich plants, like roses, and are commonly found tasting nearly anything that grows on the landscape.
Ornamental trees represent a major investment in any home landscape. Nothing is more discouraging than spending your time and money to purchase and plant an ornamental tree only to have it damaged by hungry deer. No plants are completely deer proof, but choosing plants that are deer resistant can help to protect that investment.
Foraging deer are a threat to the home garden and landscaping plants. There exist a number of vine species which deer are less likely to forage on due to their naturally less attractive properties.
Whitetail deer can cause havoc with residential landscaping. They have an ability to jump fences and eat the leaves of newly planted bushes in the nighttime. While it is possible to place a wire cage or reinforcement mesh around immature plants for protection, these items are unattractive. But there are some shrubs that are resistant to the damage deer can cause.
Deer are ruminants, which are hoofed animals that chew cud. There are over 40 species and over 100 types of deer, with different sizes and markings, prevalent around the world. Deer are native to Asia, Europe, Africa and South and North America. They have a strong sense of smell that protects them from their enemies by alerting them even when their predators are far away. Deer like to eat trees including apple and cherry, as well as plants such as clematis, hemlock, yew and much more. There are a few types of vegetable plants that deer do not eat.
Stella de Oro Daylily is a flowering perennial plant (meaning it comes back year after year) that blooms in springtime and can last through the summer months and sometimes into fall. The flowers of this daylily are yellow and trumpeted in shape ("Stella de Oro" means "Star of Gold"), and can easily grow in a variety of environments.
Having any type of garden in deer country is a challenge, but it's especially challenging for those craving a decorative flower garden in the yard. Deer are well known for eating plants or trampling them. That is why it is important for people to choose the correct containers and plants, such as Bachelor's Buttons or Blackhaw Viburnum in deer country.
Little can be more frustrating than dedicating your time and energy to a beautiful garden that is bursting with color and the envy of neighbors all around you, than to wake up one morning and find the flowers eaten down to the ground. You can still have a beautiful, colorful garden by planting deer-resistant flowers. Learn some gorgeous varieties that deer don't like to eat and never worry about them foraging your flower garden again.
Ravaged shrubs, chomped fruit, mangled twigs and missing flower buds are signs that Bambi has been snacking in your garden. If you live in deer country (and most people do), their grazing can wreak havoc on your cherished plants and cost you hundreds of dollars in landscape repair and replacement. Keep in mind that nothing is guaranteed to prevent deer from ruining your plants if they're hungry enough.
Rather than attempting to find plants that neither rabbits nor deer will eat, you can protect your plants by fencing them individually. Although both rabbits and deer like to nibble plants, their methods are somewhat different. Rabbits will often eat the tender bark around the base of a plant, while deer prefer young shoots and buds. Their different eating habits make a solution difficult. Wrapping will protect plants from rabbits, but it will not protect plants from deer.
