How to prevent arborvitae Deer Damage, American Conifer Society, and HunkerGarden Guides.
If homeowners want to keep deer away from their trees, they need to be proactive in implementing deer-management strategies.
As ornamental trees and hedges, arborvitaes are a favorite conifer species.The tall, vibrant trees are known to attract deer and may be used for privacy screening.White-tailed deer like to snack on the bark and leaves of trees as high up as they can reach.If homeowners want to keep deer away from their trees, they need to be proactive in implementing deer-management strategies.
Gardeners often use deer deterrents at the first signs of deer damage.The reasoning is easy to understand.Deer deterrents are easy to use and effective for a short time.White-tailed deer can be driven away from gardens for a long time.Do we re- apply the spray during changing weather patterns?A no-hassle deterrent, this becomes a guessing game for home gardeners.Secondary forms of protection along the perimeter of a deer fence are more effective than the primary deterrents.
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, deer fencing is the most effective means for deer control and is also credited with reducing the risk and spread of Lyme Disease.This is important for homeowners trying to keep the disease away from small children and pets.There are many types of fence on the market.
Deer can jump over wooden fences.Most homeowners will admit that chain-link fences are not aesthetically pleasing.The initial cost of materials and the price tag associated with installation are high.A second line of fence is needed if a single line is not high enough.Both lines will need to be powered on.Hungry animals will look for a way in.If there is a danger that humans will come into contact with the fencing, it is not recommended.
7 1/2 to 8 feet high is the best height for a deer fence.The deer are not comfortable taking a leap of faith if they can't see where they want to go.The most cost-effective deer fencing is made of plastic.
The word "plastic" has a bad reputation because it is cheap and flimsy.The material is lightweight and easy to handle, making it a great weekend install project.The life expectancy of plastic deer fence is up to 20 years.Plastic fence can be made in tall heights at a reasonable cost.Gardeners should not use this fence type for dealing with chewing animals.
Gardeners like metal fences for several reasons.They are chew- resistant, hold up longer in the environment, and are stronger than plastic.Chicken owners use metal fences to keep coyotes away from their flock.While they serve well for livestock management, they are missing a key element that should be considered when shopping for a metal deer fence.
Gardeners who deal with chewing animals and heavy deer pressure should use steel deer fences.The secondary layer of protection on the fence is the PVC, which blocks chew marks by wild animals and rust caused by dry and damp climates.Plastic fence lasts 10 to 20 years.
Plants that are resistant to deer are essential.Perennial flowers and herbs have a taste that deer can't tolerate.Gardeners should plant deer-resistant flowers on the outside perimeter of deer fences as a deterrent.Perennials like peonies, daffodils, iris, and calliopsis are some of the most effective plants to grow for deer resistance.Western arborvitae, also known as western red-cedar, is a cold-hardy tree that is deer resistant.
During deer-rutting season, arborvitaes are a favorite food for deer, not just to eat, but to use as well.The easiest deer fence to install is the plastic one.Plastic fence is the first line of defense to keep deer away from arborvitae.We can include all conifers, even if we only protect arborvitae.Plastic fence is the best fence remedy since conifers are susceptible to deer damage.This three-pronged punch is made up of deer resistant plants and deer deterrents.Good things come in threes.