With the planting season starting to ramp up, there is one word that people dread to hear … DEER!! Deer sightings and their aftermath are becoming more prevalent in yards, gardens, and landscapes. As the temperatures start getting warmer, deer are looking for yummy snacks to munch on, AKA your plants. These occurrences are also becoming more and more common within residential neighborhoods throughout Burke County. Controlling deer can be a problem in these neighborhoods due to restrictions within city limits. Here are a few interventions that can be put in place to deter deer from destroying your plants:

Plant Selection:

As there are no “deer-proof” plants, there are several plants that deer do not prefer to eat on a standard basis. These plants typically have hairy stems and leaves, and some have minty fragrances. Plants in the Mint family, Lamiaceae, like Bee Balm and Hyssop, are good examples of these types of plants. You can find a whole list of plants that are resistant to deer on the North Carolina Extension Gardener Tool Box.

Barriers:

Protective barriers around individual plants are a good way to minimize damage from deer. These barriers can be made from plastic or woven wire. Putting barriers around trees and shrubs can help keep plants safe from deer browsing and rubbing against them.

Fencing:

Fencing can be a beneficial tool to use to protect your gardens from deer. There are two types of fences that you can use: temporary and permanent fencing. The type of fencing to use depends solely on what you want and are looking for. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has detailed information on these types of fences.

Repellents:

Repellents can be used to deter deer, which can eliminate the obstructions that barriers and fences create. These repellents can come in several forms, including: fragrant soaps, pepper spray, and chemical repellents. An example of a repellent is Trico Pro. This product is made of sheep fat and helps prevent browsing damage by deer and other animals. More information on repellents can be found on the NC State Extension website.

The Don’ts:

• Be aware of the restrictions placed by the city or HOAs.
  • Hunting deer can be restricted within these areas.
• NEVER use moth balls.
  • This is illegal to use, and it can poison children and pets if ingested.
• Remember, if using a chemical repellent, the label is the LAW.