Deer Resistant Landscape Design

Deer are a common sight in Northern Michigan, and while they may be beautiful to look at, they can wreak havoc on a landscape. Deer are known for their voracious appetites, and they can quickly devour gardens and landscaping plants. In this article, we will explore deer-resistant landscape design for Northern Michigan, including some tips and techniques for keeping deer away from your garden.

(Featured Image: White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Tongue by Jon)

This blog contains an affiliate link to our favorite deer repellent!

While there is no fool-proof way to keep deer out of your yard entirely, there are some tips and techniques that can be applied to strongly deter deer from eating your plants. Often times, a combination of these techniques can be most effective in keeping the deer at bay.

One of the best ways to protect your landscape from deer damage is to choose plants that deer don’t like to eat. There are several species of plants that are known to be deer-resistant, including:

• Herbs: Rosemary, lavender, thyme, and oregano are all aromatic herbs that deer tend to avoid.
• Shrubs: Boxwood, holly, juniper, and yew are all evergreen shrubs that are unappetizing to deer.
• Perennials: Daffodils, tulips, daylilies, and coneflowers are all perennial flowers that deer don’t like to eat.
• Trees: Birch, dogwood, and spruce trees are all good choices for deer-resistant trees.

When selecting plants for your landscape, it’s important to keep in mind that no plant is completely deer-proof. Deer will eat just about anything when they are hungry enough, so it’s important to choose a mix of deer-resistant plants and other plants that you’re willing to risk.

Fencing is an effective way to keep deer out of your garden. The most effective fencing is at least 8 feet tall and made of a solid material such as wood or vinyl. Mesh or wire fencing is less effective because deer can easily jump over it or push through it.

Another option is to use netting or chicken wire to protect individual plants. This can be a good solution for small gardens or individual trees, but it’s not practical for larger areas.

Pay careful attention to evergreen plants during the winter months, as deer are often willing to eat just about anything still alive during this barren time frame. Protect any green plants throughout the winter with individual barriers over each shrub.

Deer repellents are another option for protecting your garden from deer. There are several types of repellents available, including sprays, granules, and electronic devices. Some of the most effective repellents contain predator urine or other strong-smelling substances that deer find unappealing.

Our go-to brand for repellent is Bobbex deer repellent. We love this brand for its affordability, natural ingredients, and its effectiveness in deterring deer from some of our most prized plants. We highly recommend this brand, especially if you have a deer problem like we do!

Another way to keep deer out of your garden is to use plants as a barrier. Planting thorny or prickly plants such as holly or barberry around the perimeter of your garden can deter deer from entering. Deer are also less likely to jump over a garden that is bordered by tall plants or shrubs.

You can also use plants with a strong odor as a barrier to more pleasant plants on the interior of a landscaped area. Onions, chives and rosemary all have a strong odor that tends to turn deer in the opposite direction if they are planted in a long, thick row.

Companion planting is the practice of planting two or more plants together that benefit each other. In the case of deer-resistant landscape design, companion planting involves planting deer-resistant plants alongside other plants to provide a natural deterrent.

For example, planting aromatic herbs such as lavender or rosemary alongside vegetables or other plants can help deter deer from eating them. Similarly, planting deer-resistant flowers such as daffodils or tulips around the perimeter of your garden can help keep deer at bay.

Companion planting certain plants together can also help improve the overall health of the plants, allowing them to regenerate faster if our woodland friends do decide to take a nibble. Some native plants, like bee balm, can easily withstand a few nibbles and still generate blooms later in the season.

When planning your landscape design, it’s important to keep in mind the natural patterns of deer behavior. Deer are creatures of habit and tend to follow the same paths and routes when foraging for food. By designing your landscape with this in mind, you can create a natural barrier that will deter deer from entering your garden.

For example, planting a dense hedge or using tall plants to block deer trails can create a natural barrier that discourages deer from entering your garden. Deer also struggle to keep their balance on uneven surfaces, so using an uneven rock border or fill for your landscaped area can deter them from choosing that location to snack. 

If you do intend to use any plants that deer tend to love, it is best to plant these closer to your home. Deer do not like to be bothered by humans, so if tasty plants are located near an area of your home that you frequently enter and exit, they are less likely to stop by for a snack.

Unfortunately, the only deer proof plant is one that exists only inside your home. Deer have big appetites and they are known to step outside of their comfort zones if they’re hungry enough.

The best approach to creating deer resistant landscapes is to use a combination of the methods mentioned above, and to continue to add or change these methods over the years.

If you’re looking for deer resistant plants for your yard, check out Bright Lane Gardens in Lake Ann, Michigan. This plant nursery has a wide variety of native plants, ornamental shrubs and trees that can help deter deer from your yard.

Native plants help create a well rounded ecosystem that can improve the overall health of your backyard. Healthy, established plants can often withstand more damage from deer than delicate, ornamental varieties.

The team at Bright Lane Gardens is here to help you with all of your landscape design needs. Stop by the garden center to shop plants, tools, soil and amendments, plus a wide selection of local gifts and goodies!