A Columbian black-tailed deer. This buck managed to get into the backyard just in time to enjoy the new buds and flowers of the rose 'Outta the Blue'. Photo: courtesy of May Kald
Are deer munching your favorite plants? Desperate gardeners sometimes resort to desperate measures to ensure that beloved flowers don’t become breakfast for local grazers, but there are some tactics that experience has shown us simply don’t work consistently. These debunked methods are listed below, or learn about some deer-resistant plant combinations that will survive taste tests by Bambi and Co. For more information on how to prevent deer damage, see A Practical Program for Combatting Deer.
Diversity seems to be key to disrupting their fickle taste-testing—which is a great excuse to experiment with the combinations shown here, all of which have survived multiple seasons with less-than-fatal browsing.
1. Barrier planting will ward off deer from more delectable plants
Deer will gladly reach over low-growing aromatic lavender or sage to reach your prize rose bushes. To be truly effective, barrier plants need to be at least 4 feet high and deep.
Photo: Jennifer Benner
2. Dryer sheets deter deer
These may make your garden smell freshly laundered, but the general consensus is that deer are not bothered by them.
Photo: Steve Aitken
3. Blood meal around plants keeps deer away
The effectiveness is limited, as deer quickly become accustomed to the scent. If used in excess, this may also harm your plants.
Greenworks 40V 14" Chainsaw, 2.5Ah USB Battery and Charger Included
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14'' CHAIN AND BAR : great performance for tree cutting and get up to 75 cuts on 4x4 lumber on a single charge. TRUBRUSHLESS MOTOR TECHNOLOGY: 2 x more torque. Provides more power, longer runtimes, quiet operation, and extended motor life. AUTOMATIC OILER: delivers proper chain lubrication and increased productivity. EASY ADJUST TENSIONING: for easy bar and chain maintenance. EASY TO USE : push button start, no gas or fumes, no carburetor, no spark plug, and no starter rope WHAT IS INCLUDED: 40V 14-Inch chainsaw, scabbard, 2.5 Ah batteries, fast charger, operator's manual.
Okatsune 103 Bypass Pruners General Purpose Medium
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Size (approx.): Width 2.2 x Depth 0.8 x Height 7.9 inches (5.5 x 2 x 20) Weight: Approx. 8.1 oz (230 g). Material: Steel. Made in Japan. The blade part is made of high grade blade steel. Vinyl coated handle for non-slip grip. Fits fruit tree selection.
Worx WG323 20V Power Share 10" Cordless Pole/Chain Saw with Auto-Tension (Battery & Charger Included)
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[12’ EXTRA REACH] It takes just a few minutes and no tools to attach the pole. And with a reach of up to 12’ and only 10 lbs., you’ll be able to get to branches and limbs before they become a problem. Please refuel before use, but oil is sold separately. [FAST, CLEAN CUTS] This cordless 20V PowerShare chain saw is as fast and powerful as anything in its class. And with no gas, and no cord, there’s much less muss and fuss. [SAME BATTERY, EXPANDABLE POWER] The same battery powers over 75plus 20V, 40V, and 80V lifestyle, garden, and power tools in the Power Share family. [AUTO-CHAIN TENSION] The automatic, tool-free chain tension system ensures you’ll always have the correct tension for the job at hand. [AUTO-CHAIN LUBRICATION] The automatic chain lubrication system not only makes for smoother, more efficient cuts, but it extends the life of the tool. And the oil level indicator lets you know exactly where you stand. [COMPACT, LIGHTWEIGHT] The saw itself weighs only 10 lbs. You’ll work longer, with less strain on your hands, arms, back, and legs. [PLENTY OF JUICE] These are the same batteries we use on our Jawsaw and in our lawnmowers. They’re powerful enough for those, and powerful enough for a chainsaw.
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Really Good information!
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