Deer may be beautiful creatures, but they can wreak havoc on your garden. Learn how to keep deer out of your backyard with our practical solutions and tips to safeguard your plants and landscape.
While addressing this issue, you might also want to explore how to control bees in your backyard for a harmonious outdoor environment.
To further enhance your backyard experience, discover how to create a private small backyard. Dive into our comprehensive guides and transform your backyard into a peaceful haven.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Use deer-resistant plants |
| Build a fence |
| Use repellents |
| Make noise to scare them away |
| Remove potential food sources |
Grow a Fence
A fence is a great way to keep deer out of your yard and garden. Fences should be at least 8 feet tall with a mesh size of 1.5 inches or less, and they need to be at least 5 feet from the ground, but 6 inches is even better if possible.
This will help keep all types of deer out, including small ones like fawns who may not be able to jump over a normal height fence.
If you’re concerned about attracting deer to your backyard, it’s important to be mindful of what you’re putting in your bird feeder. Learn more about backyard bird feeders and their impact on deer behavior in our article on are backyard bird feeders bad.
Plant Deer-Resistant Trees
If you want to keep deer out of your backyard, trees are an excellent option. Deer tend to avoid certain types of trees and shrubs with strong, dense branches and thorns or spines. There’s a variety of plants that fit this bill:
- Hawthorn
- Red maple (along with its cousin silver maple)
- Dogwood and serviceberry (also called shadblow)
- Black locusts (also called false acacia)
Common Deer-Resistant Plants
| Plant Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Lavender | Fragrant herb with beautiful purple flowers |
| Daffodils | Spring-blooming bulbs with bright yellow or white flowers |
| Marigolds | Colorful flowers that bloom in summer and fall |
| Boxwood | Dense evergreen shrub with small leaves |
| Yarrow | Perennial plant with feathery leaves and colorful flowers |
Make Your Lawn Less Appealing to Deer
To make your yard less appealing to deer, avoid planting your garden in the springtime. This is when deer are hungriest. Plant native plants instead of non-native ones for best results.
Try to avoid planting flowers that deer like to eat, such as daffodils, tulips and ferns.
Avoid planting shrubs near the ground because they can be used as a hiding place for bucks during rutting season.
Also avoid shrubs with berries or fruit on them since they may attract small mammals that will attract deer later on.
Plants like conifers and evergreens provide cover for early emerging vegetation which might draw in hungry wildlife looking for food sources after the winter months have passed by without much produce available outside yet (ease off if your landscape gets too crowded though!).
While bees are essential to a healthy ecosystem, they can be a nuisance in your backyard. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to control their presence. Check out our DIY tips for controlling bees in your backyard to keep your outdoor space safe and enjoyable.
Scare Them Off
The first step to keeping deer away is to make sure you are not attracting them with food. If you have a compost pile, move it to another location in your yard or house and let it compost on its own.
The smell of rotting vegetation can be very enticing for deer and other animals who like eating plants and vegetables out of your garden.
Next, you’ll want to install motion sensor lights around the perimeter of your home that will turn on when something moves in front of them.
This can deter any unwanted visitors from coming through because they will know that there is a human behind those bright lights at all times!
If these two methods don’t work for you, then try using a high-pitched noise maker instead! Deer don’t like loud noises so this might scare them off if they’re getting too close for comfort!
Some people also swear by putting up scarecrows throughout their property as well; however this may only work if there aren’t many small children living nearby who enjoy playing pranks on each other during Halloween time (haha).
Lastly—if none of these ideas work–try using deer repellent spray in order get rid those pesky creatures once and for all!
Use Natural Repellents
You’re probably thinking, “Great, but what if I don’t want to use chemicals?” The first thing to know is that there are many natural repellents on the market, and it’s not necessary for you to use them all.
Instead, combine two or three of these products to create a custom formula that works best for you. For instance:
- Vinegar: A dilution of vinegar (one part water and four parts vinegar) will help ward off deer. Just make sure not to apply this mixture during the day; it can cause sunburn on your lawn!
- Peppermint Oil: Spray diluted peppermint oil around your garden beds and flowerbeds—just remember not to do so in the same area where you’ve made an application of any other chemical product!
Hosting a wedding in your backyard can be a beautiful and intimate experience, but it’s important to plan ahead to ensure its success. Learn more about the costs associated with hosting a backyard wedding in our article on how much to throw a backyard wedding to help you budget accordingly.
Types of Deer Repellents
| Type of Repellent | Description |
|---|---|
| Physical barriers | Fences, netting, and other structures that physically prevent deer from entering your backyard |
| Chemical repellents | Sprays or granules that emit a scent that deer find unpleasant, causing them to avoid the area |
| Sound deterrents | Devices that emit loud noises or other sounds to scare deer away, such as motion-activated alarms |
Add Motion Detectors and Lights
We recommend adding motion-activated lights to your backyard, as they can be used to scare away deer and keep them out of the area.
Motion-activated lights are also useful because they illuminate the area, so you can see any potential hazards or other issues with your yard.
Motion-activated lights have a number of benefits for homeowners, including that they don’t drain batteries and require little upkeep.
If you have pets or children who might wander into an unsafe area of your property while playing outside, these light fixtures are great because they will illuminate that space without harming anyone in the process (unlike other types of lighting).
Build a Strong Fence and Close Off Access Points
If you want to keep deer out of your backyard, the most important thing to do is build a strong fence.
The fence should be at least 8 feet tall and made from metal, wood or reinforced wire. Otherwise, deer will jump over it. You also need to secure the bottom of the fence so that it can’t be pushed in or knocked over by animals trying to get through.
If you’re looking to create more privacy in your backyard, there are several easy and affordable ways to do so. Our guide on how to make a small backyard private offers tips and tricks for creating a secluded and peaceful outdoor space.
Add Obstacles or Other Barriers
There are a number of ways to keep deer away from your yard. You can add obstacles or other barriers to block their access, such as fences and walls.
These types of barriers may be used alone or in combination with other tactics like adding an extra layer of protection with electric fencing. Motion-activated sprinklers can also scare off deer when they come into contact with them.
Apply repellent near plants, trees and shrubs
The most effective repellents are those with an odor that you find unpleasant. To apply them, simply spray or pour the repellent on a rag and wipe it onto the base of plants, trees and shrubs. This will discourage deer from eating your vegetation.
You can also use repellents in sprays form that are applied over larger areas such as gardens or trees. Keep in mind that when using this method, there is no need to worry about where you put it; just make sure that there is enough coverage so all parts of your property are protected by the spray (like fences).
Make sure when applying any repellent product to plants and shrubbery that it is above freezing outside! If it freezes during application time, then all efforts will be wasted because nothing will work properly when frozen solid!
Use Reflective Tape Or The Pie Tins On Stakes To Keep Deer Away
A cheaper alternative to using repellents is to use reflective tape. The tape can be wrapped around plants, or you could create a barrier around your garden using stakes and the tape. This will help keep deer away from your garden.
Maintaining a lush, green lawn in your backyard can be challenging, especially if you’re trying to keep deer away. Consider exploring alternative options for your outdoor space, such as those discussed in our article on what can I replace my backyard grass with, to help minimize deer activity while still enjoying a beautiful and functional yard.
Conclusion
So how do you keep deer out of your yard? We’ve covered lots of ways to deter these pesky creatures, but it’s also important to remember that no single method will work for every person.
You may need some trial and error before finding the perfect combination of tactics for your situation. However, with a little time and effort, we know you can be successful!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources on backyard maintenance, gardening, and deer control:
14 Alternatives to Grass Backyard and Why You Should Care: Learn about alternative ground covers to grass and the benefits of using them in your backyard.
How Much to Throw a Backyard Wedding: Find Out: If you’re considering having a wedding in your backyard, this article provides a breakdown of the costs involved.
What Can I Replace My Backyard Grass With?: Discover alternative plants and ground covers that can be used to replace traditional grass in your backyard.
How Do You Build a Backyard Terrace? Pro Tips: This article provides step-by-step instructions and tips for building a terrace in your backyard.
How Do I Restore My Backyard Deck? Simple Tips: Learn how to restore and maintain your backyard deck with these simple tips.
20 Ways to Keep Deer Out of Your Yard: This article offers 20 different methods for keeping deer out of your yard, including fencing, repellents, and plant choices.
Keep Deer Off Your Property: This article provides tips for preventing deer damage to your yard and garden, including using deer repellents, landscaping with deer-resistant plants, and creating physical barriers.
FAQs
How do I keep deer out of my backyard?
There are several methods for keeping deer out of your backyard, such as using physical barriers like fencing or netting, using deer repellent sprays, planting deer-resistant plants, and removing attractants like fallen fruit and trash.
What are some alternative ground covers to grass for my backyard?
Some alternative ground covers to grass include clover, moss, chamomile, creeping thyme, and sedum. These plants have different benefits such as being drought-resistant, attracting pollinators, and being low-maintenance.
How much does it cost to throw a backyard wedding?
The cost of a backyard wedding can vary depending on factors such as the number of guests, catering, rentals, and decorations. A budget-friendly backyard wedding can cost around $2,000-$5,000, while a more elaborate event can cost upwards of $20,000.
How do I build a backyard terrace?
To build a backyard terrace, start by creating a plan and marking the area. Then, excavate the area and level the ground. Next, build a retaining wall and install a drainage system. Finally, fill the area with soil and plant vegetation.
How do I restore my backyard deck?
To restore a backyard deck, start by cleaning it thoroughly with a deck cleaner and a pressure washer. Then, inspect the deck for any damage and make necessary repairs. Finally, sand and stain the deck to protect it from the elements.
How can I keep deer off my property?
Some methods for keeping deer off your property include using deer repellent sprays, planting deer-resistant plants, creating physical barriers like fencing or netting, and using noise or motion-activated deterrents.
For 15 years, Hellen James has worked in the gardening industry as an expert and landscape designer. During her career, she has worked for a variety of businesses that specialize in landscaping and gardening from small firms to large corporations.