I love watching deer graze in the farmers’ fields. Yet, I don’t want them in my lawn eating my azaleas in late winter. And I don’t want young bucks using my trees to rub off their antlers’ velvet, the light fuzz on their antlers, during the rutting season.

Welcome to the Neighborhood

As you probably noticed in your own neighborhood, deer populations are increasing, and they’re also adapting to suburban living. Believe it or not, in the early 20th century, these graceful beings were almost extinct. Not anymore.

Deer Season Starts Late Summer

Deer problems can start in the late summer and last throughout late winter. In the fall, they’ll start to nibble on tree twigs and buds. Then, in the late winter, when food is scare, deer will visit your property again to feast on plants and shrubs.

Amount of Damage Caused

According to their fact sheet series, “White-Tailed Deer,” Cornell University states, “Annual estimates of deer damage are reported to exceed $2 billion nationwide, including $1 billion in car damages, more than $100 million in agricultural crop damage, $750 million in damage to the timber industry, and more than $250 million in damage to metropolitan households (e.g. landscape planting).”

What can you do to prevent deer from damaging your property? Here are some tips to keep deer off of your lawn and away from your landscape:

1. Scare devices: Such as automatic lighting, noise makers, and even a dog’s bark will keep deer temporarily away. Yet, deer acclimate to these scare tactics and will come back.

2. Fencing: You can put up fencing around your property to protect it from a deer invasion. There are many fencing options available.

3. Repellents: From human hair to odor repellents, you have some options. Human hair, according to some experts, temporarily works. This is a great option if you’re a hairdresser or a barber. But for those of us who don’t want to make daily trips to our local hair salons to collect other people’s hair, it’s better to go to a big box store for odor-based deer repellents.

4. Add deer-repellent shrubs and trees to your landscape: Most experts say that certain plants, trees, and shrubs will deter deer from eating up your landscape. Look for plants that say “deer resistant.” This is not fool-proof, but perhaps your local white-tails will visit your neighbors, who have non deer-resistant plants, first, before they feast on your landscape.

Ohio State University’s Extension has a helpful fact sheet called “Preventing and Controlling Deer Damage.” Here’s a link to their fact sheet that includes a list of plants that range from deer’s favorite to least favorite: http://ohioline.osu.edu/w-fact/pdf/0005.pdf

More Fall Tips

Deer aren't the only thing you need to worry about this fall. Getting your lawn looking great starts with a strong fall plan. Weed Pro has you covered with this great Fall Lawn Care Guide that will give you the steps to let your lawn finish strong this season, and look great next year! The best part is that this guide is your's absolutely FREE just by clicking the button below!

About Wendy:
Wendy Komancheck is an accomplished Freelance Writer for Trade Magazines, Websites, and Local Businesses, specializing in horticultural articles. Check out Wendy's bio and website by Clicking Here. Wendy's Google+ Page