Common Signs of Deer Damage In Your Yard

Deer can cause a lot of damage to your yard and landscape – especially in the fall. Deer control is one of the most popular and frequently requested services at Paradise Landscaping & Hardscapes. We can help reduce the presence of deer in and around the edges of your property. But how do you know that you’ll need our services in the first place? Deer are pretty active in the fall. They leave behind traces of damage that may be confused with pest-animal damage at times. In any case, it’s better to be safe than sorry! The following are some common signs of deer damage in your yard.

You use ornamental plants to improve the look of your lawn, garden, and landscaping. Unfortunately, they are a significant food source for deer. Because they consume the buds, leaves, and stems, this depletes the plants of what they require to live. Deers hang out in farms, orchards, nurseries, and residential neighborhoods. When the lower branches of trees begin to disappear, deer are likely in the area.

Recognizing signs of deer damage in your yard is crucial for maintaining the health of your plants and landscaping. Here are the common indicators to look out for.

Common Signs of Deer Damage

 

• Browsing Damage: Deer typically leave behind torn or ragged edges on leaves, stems, and flowers. Unlike rabbits, who nibble cleanly, deer tear plants due to their lack of upper incisors. This results in a rough appearance where leaves and stems have been eaten, often leaving only stubs behind
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• Trampled Plants: One of the most obvious signs is a trampled yard in some areas. You can easily look for signs of trampled vegetation around the areas where deer have fed. Their hooves can smash nearby plants, creating noticeable disturbances in the soil and foliage
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• Antler Rubbing: Male deer (bucks) often rub their antlers against trees, especially during the rutting season. This behavior can cause vertical scrapes and shredded bark, exposing the wood underneath. This type of damage is particularly harmful to young trees
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• Deer Droppings: Finding deer scat resembling larger rabbit droppings (elongated pellets) can indicate recent deer activity. The droppings are often found near feeding areas
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• Tracks: Deer tracks are distinctive, shaped like two halves of a broken heart, and measuring about 2-3 inches long. They can be found in soft soil or mud and may indicate deer frequently use paths.
• Height of Damage: Deer can reach about 6 feet high, so you may notice that new growth on taller plants is missing or has been “tipped” off
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Preventive Measures

To mitigate deer damage, consider planting less appealing species or using protective measures such as fencing or repellents. While various sprays and home remedies exist, they are often minimally effective against determined deer populations.

Flowering Perennials

These plants provide beauty while deterring deer:

• Chrysanthemums: Bright and vibrant, they are typically not favored by deer.
• Yarrow (Achillea): A hardy perennial with a strong scent.
• Russian Sage (Perovskia): Its aromatic foliage makes it less appealing.

Shrubs and Ground Covers

These can provide structure and protection:

• Boxwood: A dense evergreen shrub that deer usually avoid.
• Viburnum: Some varieties are more resistant to deer browsing.
• Creeping Thyme (Thymus): A low-growing ground cover that is aromatic.

Native Plants

Incorporating local flora can enhance resistance:

• Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa): Attractive to pollinators and generally avoided by deer.
• Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana): This native shrub has minimal deer pressure.

Edible Plants

If you want to grow food, consider these options:

• Chicago Hardy Fig: Deer tend to leave this fruit tree alone.
• Herbs like Oregano and Thyme: These not only deter deer but also add flavor to your cooking.

By choosing a combination of these plants, you can create a beautiful garden less susceptible to deer damage while providing some edible options.

Can deer-resistant plants also attract beneficial wildlife?

Deer-resistant plants can indeed attract beneficial wildlife,  making them an excellent choice for creating a vibrant garden ecosystem. Here are some key points regarding how these plants support various forms of wildlife.

Benefits of Deer-Resistant Plants for Wildlife

Attraction of Pollinators

Many deer-resistant plants are also highly attractive to pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. For example:

• Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa): This native plant is resistant to deer and serves as a food source for butterflies and other pollinators.
• Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): Known for its beautiful flowers, it attracts bees and provides seeds that feed birds.

Providing Shelter

Certain deer-resistant plants offer shelter and nesting materials for birds and small mammals:

• Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum): Its foliage provides cover for small birds, while its flowers attract pollinators
• Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium): This grass not only shelters birds but also attracts insects, supporting overall biodiversity in the garden.

Food Sources for Wildlife

Some deer-resistant plants produce fruits or seeds that serve as food sources:

• Spicebush (Lindera benzoin): This shrub produces berries that are a food source for various bird species, while its flowers attract butterflies.
• Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis): Its seeds nourish birds and small mammals, enhancing the garden’s ecological value.

Creating a Balanced Ecosystem

By incorporating a variety of deer-resistant native plants, gardeners can create habitats that support diverse wildlife, promoting a balanced ecosystem. This approach deters deer and fosters an environment where beneficial insects and animals can thrive. In summary, planting deer-resistant species can significantly enhance your yard’s appeal to beneficial wildlife while reducing the risk of damage from deer.

Managing Deer on Your Property

Deterring deer with repellents or scare devices is one way to go. Deer control is more straightforward if the deer can’t link your yard with a convenient eating spot. In the fall, once deer have adjusted to several noises, you may switch between these approaches as needed. Once deer are used to a particular sound, they cease ignoring it. You may not have noticed if there was minor damage over the summer; it will become more apparent as winter draws near. Temporary fencing, permanent fencing, and tree guards can all help. However, if none of these solutions work, it’s time to call the experts!

Paradise Landscape and Hardscapes in Annapolis, MD 

We’ve been in business for decades in our hometown of Annapolis. We are a small, independently run business that services Anne Arundel County and parts of the Eastern Shore. If you need help with deer on your property, contact us!