There is a growing trend with deer passing through people’s gardens – and tucking in to your greenery. Dr Rebecca Machin, wildlife expert at the charity, said: “Deer usually live in forests, moors and parkland, and they prefer to keep their distance from people if they can.
“More recently, they have been seen in more urban environments, particularly in gardens, golf courses, roads and railway lines.” Smaller deer species like muntjac or roe deer may find a gap in your fence to enter your garden and have a nibble on your handiwork.
‘Can cause damage’
Dr Machin said: “While many people enjoy seeing these wonderful animals nearby, they can sometimes cause damage to plants, flowers, trees and shrubs.” Asked how best to protect your plants, the expert said to check the guidance from the British Deer Society.
The society says the “only real defence” is to install a physical barrier so any passing deer can’t access your plants and flowers.
The group advises: “The base should be comprehensively dug or turfed in if it is not to be breached – deer can be quick to exploit the smallest gap and you might be surprised at what they can manage to get through.
“Lightweight plastic meshes should be avoided as they are not robust enough and the deer can end up tangled in them.”
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The society has several ideas that gardeners say have worked for them in keeping the deer at bay, although success can vary:
- Creosote – Hanging rags soaked in the oily liquid apparently can put off deer, although some gardeners say this doesn’t work
- Diesel-soaked cloth strips – You can hang strips of cloth near plants. Wear rubber gloves while putting the strips in place as diesel has a strong smell
- Human hair – You could try putting unwashed hair in tights or muslin at the head height of deer. The advice is to replace the hair monthly
- Lion dung – This is thought to be effective in deterring deer. You can get a pellet form, often marketed as a cat repellent, which can work for deer as well.
- Scented soap – A benefit of this is you don’t need to replace it until it has completely dissolved.
You could also try applying feeding repellents, although these can be expensive and could add toxicity to your garden. You could try visual or sonic deterrents, although deer can get used to these and may find a way around them.
