PDF《DEER MANAGEMENT》

Revised 5/2015 merrifieldgardencenter.

com Deer can be a nuisance at times to gardeners in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. As development alters habitats and eliminates predators, deer have adapted to suburban life and their population has grown, increasing the demand and competition for food. In some areas, landscape plants have become one of their food sources. When food is limited, deer may eat plants they normally don'

t touch to satisfy their hunger. Although no plant is deer proof, you can make your garden less inviting to wildlife. Below are several strategies, including a list of plants that have been shown that deer dislike in order to discourage these uninvited guests. Deer will continue to adapt to their changing environment, and you'

ll need to continue trying different control strategies. But with just a little planning, you can have a beautiful garden and co-exist with deer. METHODS OF DEER MANAGEMENT EXCLUSION: A physical barrier is the most effective method to keep deer from foraging. A 7'

tall fence is required to be effective. Deer fencing should be within easy view of the deer and should lean out towards the deer, away from your garden. A fine mesh is used for the black plastic fencing, which does not detract from the beauty of your landscape. If fencing is not practical, drape deer netting over vulnerable plants. Anchor or fasten deer netting to the ground to prevent the deer from pulling it off of the plants. REPELLENTS: Deer repellents work either through taste, scent, or a combination of both. There are many different repellents and results vary depending on feeding pressures. Begin using repellents early and alternate between different brands. As deer grow accustomed to a particular repellent, the repellent becomes less effective and it gets harder to deter the deer. The time between applications varies with weather. The following time frames are based on the experience of our customers and staff. Results will vary. Always read and follow label directions. Bobbex? Effective up to

8 weeks Liquid Fence Effective up to

8 weeks Deer Off? Effective up to

4 weeks Deer Scram? Effective up to

1 week (Approved for food crops) Milorganite? Effective up to

4 weeks Natura/Plant Saver Effective

18 months I Must Garden/Deer Repellent Effective

4 week Sweeny'

s Deer Repellent Effective up to

24 weeks (Approved for food crops) DEER MANAGEMENT IN THE GARDEN Revised 6/2015 merrifieldgardencenter.com

2 PLANTS DEER DISLIKE: Selecting a plant that deer don'

t find tasty is one of the easiest ways to protect your garden. Deer have clear preferences in the plants they choose to eat. Using plants that have a milky sap, a bitter taste, serrated, waxy, leathery, scented, prickly, coarse or fuzzy foliage will discourage their feeding. Some plants actually deter or repel deer, especially fragrant plants. The heavy scent masks other odors, which interferes with the deer'

s predator-alert senses and makes them uneasy. The most effective use of aromatic plants is planting them in combination. A confusing array of heavy scents is difficult for deer to sort through. To protect vulnerable varieties, plant them behind or in the middle of the more aromatic deterrents, such as nepeta, lavandula, salvia, thymus and allium. Deer damage is often seasonal. Deer love tender plant parts that are succulent with water. Plants deer dislike may be nibbled when they first emerge in spring, but then left alone for the remainder of the year. Plants deer dislike may be sampled when first planted and the growth is young and succulent. Young deer will sometimes '