Deer proof plants are part of a comprehensive defense against deer. However, so called “deer proof” plants are only varyingly deer proof because deer will try new things and their tastes will change. “Deer proof” plants should more appropriately be called plants seldom damaged by deer. When browse is plentiful deer will avoid plants that are not their favorites but during drought or in areas with overcrowding very few plants are deer proof. Also, fawns will try many things, even plants that deer don’t normally eat.
Since fences are banned in many areas, deer resistant or deer proof plants are part of a sensible solution for deer problems.
Aromatic deer proof plants deter the deer by filling the air with strong perfumes which mask other smells and confuse the deer. Other plants that are desirable to the deer can be interspersed with the strong smelling plants.
Bitter deer proof plants have an unpleasant taste to the deer.
Milky sap deer proof plants have taste and consistency which is not preferred by the deer. These plants can be mixed in with others that deer like.
Rapidly growing deer proof plants grow so fast they outgrow the deer damage. Others that spread very rapidly by seeding or runners are deer proof just by outpacing any damage.
Even plants that are deer proof are vulnerable to browsing when they are young and tender and they can be protected temporarily using a liquid spray.
Deer proof trees Trees can be deer proofed by wrapping them in metal screen.
Links to lists of deer proof plants and information:
- www.deerresistantplants.com Sells a variety of deer proof plants and deer repellents.
- plantanswers.tamu.edu/publications/deerbest.html A discussion of the deer problem and list of deer proof plants.
- njaes.rutgers.edu/deerresistance/ Landscape plants rated by deer resistance with a handy search tool.
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www.deerproofbulbs.com/ Deer proofing methods and bulbs that deer don’t eat.
deer-resistant-plants.com A list of 600 deer proof plants. - www.npsot.org/plant_lists/deer_resistant.html An excellent list of deer proofing plants with a key showing what category deer proof plant fall into.
- www.npsot.org/plant_lists/deer_resistant.html List of annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees that are deer resistant.
- www.deerxlandscape.com Deer-proof plants and deer fencing and photos of deer-proof plants, discount deer repellents, 8-foot-tall deer fencing.
- www.wirelessdeerfence.com Wireless baited electric deer repellent system further protects your deer proof plants.