Safeguarding Your Flower Beds from Bunnies and Deer

Gardening enthusiasts like those at Everlast Lawn and Landscaping understand the challenges of protecting flower beds from common wildlife intruders like bunnies and deer. Let’s explore some effective methods to keep these creatures at bay, ensuring your garden remains vibrant and unspoiled.

Understanding Wildlife Habits

Firstly, it’s essential to understand the habits of these animals. Deer are known to frequent the same areas year after year, and their growing numbers can pose a significant challenge to gardeners. Rabbits, too, are attracted to gardens, particularly in winter and early spring when food is scarce.

Effective Barrier Solutions

At Everlast Lawns & Landscaping, we recommend the following strategies to protect your landscape from deer, bunnies and other wildlife trespassers:

1. Fencing: The most reliable way to prevent deer and rabbit damage is through fencing. For deer, a perimeter fence should be at least 8-10 feet tall, as they can jump high. For rabbits, a fine-mesh chicken wire or poultry fencing buried at least a few inches into the ground can deter them from burrowing under and into your garden.
2. Innovative Methods: A novel approach for deer involves using 30lb fishing line tied at two different levels around the garden. This method creates an unseen barrier that startles deer without harming them. Adding bells or aluminum pie pans can further enhance this deterrent.
3. Natural Repellents: Hot pepper spray, Irish Spring soap, and even human hair can be used as natural repellents for rabbits. These materials, owing to their smell or taste, can effectively deter rabbits from munching on your plants. However, they may need to be reapplied frequently, especially after rain.
4. Commercial Repellents: Products like Liquid Fence, Deer Off, and Milorganite are commercially available repellents that have proven effective. They contain ingredients unpalatable to wildlife and can be a great addition to your garden protection strategies.
5. Garden Planning: Choosing plants that are less attractive to deer can also be an effective strategy. Consulting with local extension services for a list of deer-resistant plants can be a helpful step in designing a garden that’s less likely to attract these animals.

Other Considerations

• Clearing Shelters: Removing potential shelters like tall grass or brush piles can reduce the likelihood of small mammals making your garden their home.
• Motion-activated Sprinklers: These can be an effective, humane way to scare off intruders without causing harm.
• Alternative Deterrents: Strategies like hanging tin pie pans or playing a battery-operated radio overnight have been suggested, but these may offer only temporary relief as animals can get used to these over time.

In conclusion, protecting your flower beds from bunnies and deer requires a combination of strategies. From physical barriers to natural and commercial repellents, each method has its merits. Understanding the behavior of these animals and regularly updating your deterrent methods is key to keeping your garden safe and flourishing.

For garden enthusiasts at Everlast Lawn and Landscaping in Alpharetta and beyond, implementing these strategies can lead to a thriving, undisturbed garden all season long​