I have loved deer ever since I cried as a kid watching Bambi at the Arlyne Theater in downtown Longview. My wife loves the deer, and I am not a deer hunter, but if you are a gardener or farmer, you know how problematic they can be.
There is nothing quite as frustrating as stepping outside to admire your carefully curated landscape, only to discover that the local deer have turned your prized plants into their personal buffet. It is a familiar scenario for gardeners in Texas and beyond, where suburban sprawl and the loss of natural habitats have pushed deer closer to human environments. I would like to say that there is an easy way to garden in harmony with them but there is not.
Bye Beans
The first step in managing deer damage is understanding their behavior. Deer are creatures of habit, often traveling the same paths and visiting the same feeding areas. They are most active at dawn and dusk, and they prefer tender new growth, which is why my green beans do not exist and all the lower foliage is gone on my pears.
Their diet varies based on what is available, but they generally prefer soft, nutrient-rich plants. New shoots, leaves, flowers, and buds are particularly appealing. During times of scarcity—like winter or drought conditions—deer may eat almost anything, including plants they usually avoid. And while some plants are labeled as “deer-resistant,” it is important to note that hungry deer may eat even these, especially if other food sources are limited. Somewhere I have a 35mm image I took of cactus and yucca in the Hill County covered with wire yet gnawed to the ground.
Pearing down the foliage
One of the best ways to minimize deer damage is to design a garden that does not tempt them in the first place. This does not mean you have to forgo beauty for practicality; it simply means being strategic in your plant choices.
- Choose Deer-Resistant Plants
Although no plant is entirely deer-proof, some are less palatable to deer than others. Generally, plants with strong scents, fuzzy leaves, or thorny stems are less appealing. Some excellent deer-resistant options include:- Herbs and Aromatics: Rosemary, lavender, sage, thyme, and oregano.
- Ornamental Grasses: Deer tend to avoid most grasses, so consider adding species like Miscanthus, muhly grass, and fountain grass to your garden.
- Perennials: lantana, yarrow, coreopsis, and Russian sage are usually safe bets.
- Shrubs: Texas sage (Leucophyllum), barberry, and junipers can provide structure without attracting deer. Bulbs in the amaryllis family: Rain lilies, narcissus, and spider lilies are just a few of many choices.
- Create Physical Barriers
Physical barriers, such as fencing or netting, can be an effective way to keep deer out of your garden. A sturdy fence at least 8 feet tall is usually required to deter deer, as they are capable jumpers. If a tall fence is not feasible, consider using shorter fencing around individual plants or garden beds. I prefer circles of sturdy wire.
Wire cage
- Using Repellents and Deterrents
When designing your landscape alone is not enough, repellents and deterrents can provide an extra layer of protection. There are two main types of repellents: contact and area repellents. Contact repellents are applied directly to plants and work by making them taste or smell unpleasant. Area repellents are placed around the garden and emit odors that deter deer.Some popular commercial repellents include those made from putrescent egg solids, garlic, or hot pepper. Homemade remedies, such as spraying a mixture of water, dish soap, and cayenne pepper, can also be effective. Just remember to reapply repellents after rain or heavy watering. The use of tallow-based soap also proved effective in one study.
Other deterrents include motion-activated sprinklers, lights, and even radios left on at night. These can startle deer and encourage them to seek food elsewhere. Be mindful, however, that deer can quickly become accustomed to these devices, so it is best to rotate or change deterrents regularly. Would any of those keep you away from ice cream?
- Guard Dogs
Up until marriage to an animal loving Cajun, I always had a pack of dogs in the yard that kept all deer, squirrels, pigs, armadillos, etc. at bay. Currently I am down to one old Jack Russell terrier that Mrs. G has just about turned into a house dog. He also does not hear or see so well anymore. But I can assure you that I never had deer problems in the past when I kept a team of 2-4 canines outside.
House dog
- Creating a Deer-Unfriendly Environment
Another tactic is to make your garden less welcoming to deer. Remove attractants such as bird feeders, which can draw deer looking for an easy snack. If you have fruit trees, be sure to pick up any fallen fruit, as this is a favored deer delicacy. Installing thorny or spiky plants near garden entry points can also help deter deer from entering.Using the landscape itself to deter deer can be a powerful tool. Deer are naturally cautious and prefer open spaces where they can see and flee from predators. By planting tall grasses, shrubs, or hedges along your property’s perimeter, you create a visual barrier that makes deer more hesitant to enter.
Some plants are simply too precious to risk. For these, consider using individual plant protectors, such as cages or netting, especially during the early spring when new growth is most vulnerable. Netting can also be used to cover small trees and shrubs to prevent deer from stripping the bark or rubbing their antlers against them.
No method is foolproof, and there will likely be times when deer manage to get a nibble here or there. It is important to maintain a realistic perspective and recognize that gardening with deer requires flexibility and adaptability. By combining several of the above strategies, you can minimize damage and create a garden that is both beautiful and resilient.
As a gardener and nature lover, I feel privileged to share my landscape with a variety of wildlife, including deer. While it is natural to feel frustrated when deer disrupt our hard work, it is also an opportunity to appreciate their beauty and adaptability. By making thoughtful plant choices and using deterrents wisely, we can find a balance between enjoying our gardens and allowing deer to exist within their natural habitats. After all, a garden is more than just a collection of plants. It is a dynamic, ever-changing ecosystem that we have the privilege to steward, so do your best to live and let live.
The late Forest Appleton produced an outstanding list of deer proof plants while basically living in a “deer park” in San Antonio. You can see his list on my mentor Dr. Jerry Parsons’ website: https://www.plantanswers.com/
