Oh, Deer! What Plants, Shrubs and Trees They Won't Eat

Diana Knapp spends many hours per day at Hahn Nursery & Garden Shop in Ross Township talking about deer.

Specifically, Knapp counsels customers on how to prevent their flowerbeds, shrubs and trees from becoming buffets for white-tailed visitors.

The list of plants resistant to deer might be longer than you think—see PDF file in this article's media gallery—and there are few basic rules of thumb.

"Most of the grasses they never bother," Knapp said. "And there are grasses for sun, grasses for shade. A lot of times, things that have a fuzzy texture, or a really strong odor they will avoid.”

For the plants—which deer do like—Knapp suggests a three-pronged attack.

1. Plastic guards to prevent deer from rubbing off the protective bark of younger trees
2. Netting for fruits and vegetables
3. Deer repellents, either liquid or granular

"Deer-repellent products work if you apply them about once a month," Knapp said, "unless it rains. Then, you have to reapply as soon as it's done raining."

And if all else fails?

"Sometimes a nice, high fence is the only way," she said.

Click on the links below to get contact information of Baldwin-Whitehall-area landscaping companies that may be able to help you plan.

• Zingrone Landscaping & Construction
• Bellon's Complete Yard Service
• Red's Lawn Care and Construction
• MCB Lawn And Landscapes
• Anthony Landscaping
• Butler Landscaping
• South Hills Landscape & Excavation

What do you do to protect your plants, flowers and gardens from deer? Please share your ideas in the comments box below.

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