Ridgefield Magazine

Let’s Talk Deer

By Abigail Adams, RLA, A2 Land Consulting, LLC

They are cute, even beautiful, and if you happen to be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a large buck staring at you through the trees during a winter sunset, majestic. But what about your azaleas and tulips? They are beautiful too, and majestic as well (depending on who you talk to), and just like you, the deer love them. Bottom line, and regardless of how stunning they look, deer can be a nuisance for many homeowners in our area due to high population concentration.

There are various methods of deer management, many of them natural, that can be put in place if you are looking to expand your designed landscaped. Fencing your entire property is an option, but often not a realistic one. If you have time on your hands, noise will scare them away. You can sit out on your front porch with a noise maker and wait for them to arrive for their early morning munch (though you may scare more than just the deer away!). Certain scents will deter deer, including moth balls, fabric softener, and, so I have heard, hair clippings. This is an option which may or may not be appealing to the everyday homeowner but more suited to the gardening enthusiast.

There are many deer repellents on the market, even organic options that can last for a few weeks, and have a more pleasant odor than other choices. Repellents are certainly recommended, but make sure you have a maintenance plan in place: Repellents need to be reapplied after rain storms, and if you forget or your landscaper is not scheduled, your favorite plant can be chowed away and you will have to wait until the following season to enjoy that flower.

The good news is there are many plant options on the market these pesky creatures are not in favor of munching that can be utilized in your design. These range from large evergreen screen trees, to ornamental trees, evergreen and flowering shrubs, perennials and even ground covers, allowing your designer to create a landscape that you can enjoy without the constant worry of deer browse. Options include American Holly, Magnolias, Birch trees, Serviceberry, Summersweet, Spirea, Bayberry, Lilac, Lavender, Catmint, Foxglove, and Sedum, just to name a few. Creating a planting palette of deer-resistant material can provide you with a four-season interest garden, giving you reason to sit out on the porch any time, noise maker optional.

For more information on deer resistant plant options, please give me a call at 845-531-1504 or email me at abigail@a2land.com.