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How to Keep Deer From Destroying Your Yard and Garden in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase (Part 1)

By
Home Builder with A&A Design Build Remodeling, Inc.

My back yard in DC. 10 min. drive from the White HouseHow to Keep Deer From Destroying Your Yard and Garden in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase  (Part 1)

If you’ve been a homeowner in this area (DC, MD, VA) for more than a few years, you’ve probably seen your fair share of deer in the yard. (the picture on the left was taken in Washington DC, in my backyard, about 10 min. drive from the White House).

Pretty as they may be, these creatures can do (and may have already done) significant damage to your plants. Even more alarming is the fact they usually carry Lyme disease ticks, a potential threat to you, your family and your pets.

So how can you effectively keep deer away from your yard and garden? Unfortunately, there may not be a surefire way to consistently eliminate them; however, there are a few tricks that can successfully deter these four-legged feeders. Not to mention they can also assist in protecting your landscaping investment.

In the short-term, you should consider planting items that deer are less likely to eat. If you’re already missing a few species from your outdoor area, you probably know about some of the plants and flowers that they do like. Some deer favorites include tulips, laurel, forsythia, Japanese yew, crocus and pansies.

Luckily, there are many alternatives that deer do not seem to be interested in, which includes: salvia, iris, yucca, English holly, daisies, tiger lilies, wisteria, bougainvillea, yarrow, iris, geraniums, narcissus and dahlias. These are all plants that deer do not particularly care about chewing on. Choose your plants wisely.

Even with careful planting, deer will eat almost anything if they are hungry enough. Tomato plants are not typically favored; however, some homeowners in the western states have seen their plants cleaned right off. The best you can do is try different plants and see what works for you.

In part 2 of this series, we’ll discuss how you can enhance these results by developing a long-term plan to follow up your gardening efforts. The combination of the two will help you keep your property off deer radar and allow you to enjoy the time and money that you’ve invested in your outdoor environment.

If you are in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, please contact us if you need any assistance. We will be happy to refer a service provider we know and trust with our homes. They will help you Keep Deer From Destroying Your Yard and Garden in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase

www.aadesignbuild.com  202-713-5513 or info@aadesignbuild.com

 

 

Comments(3)

Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

I live in the woods and we have quite a few deer in the fall and winter months...hardly any at all this time of year.  My only problem has been with our hosta...they love it!

Aug 09, 2011 05:29 AM
Betina Foreman
WJK Realty - Austin, TX
Realtor, C.N.E., with WJK REALTY

We have our fair share of deer in Austin and here are a few more tips for you.

1. Plant something with a strong smell, deer don't care for that. Of course if its a drought, all bets are off and they will eat anything if they are starving.

2. Toss some mothballs in your landscape, they hate the way it smells.

Aug 09, 2011 05:58 AM
Alex Shekhtman
A&A Design Build Remodeling, Inc. - Chevy Chase, DC
Design Build Remodeling, Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase

Thank you for your comments Sharon and Betina.

I like your suggestions Betina and will try in in my yard.

The picture above was taken in my back yard in DC, about 10 min. drive from the White House. We have deer infestation problem big time.

 

Aug 09, 2011 06:58 AM