Deer in our Landscape

Homeowners face two major challenges pertaining to deer in our landscapes: tree rubs and browse damage. Tree rub damage can only be controlled with some type of physical barrier. Browse damage can take place anytime of the year. Only the deer knows what it will eat and what it will avoid. I am often asked what plants deer will not eat and my reply is always the same. Deer will eat practically anything if they are hungry enough. There are certain plants that are somewhat deer resistant. Feel free to contact me or your county agricultural department for the most recent list. One of the largest factors on the extent of deer browse damage is the number of deer in your area. Once that number reaches 10 deer per sq/mile damage can become quite extensive. With today’s increased reduction of wooded lots due to development deer populations are steadily increasing per sq/mile. There are various browse-control products available for purchase. Some of these work on a limited basis but most are costly and of little value. The best method currently available for controlling browse damage is systemic in nature. This product is in tablet form and placed in the ground surrounding the plant.  The agent goes into solution and is taken up by the roots. It travels through the plant directly to the foliage, effective treating the entire plant from the inside out.  Two applications a year will generally control even the most aggressive deer browse.