One of the most common complaints by suburban homeowners and gardeners is damage to plants and landscaping caused by white-tailed deer, reports The HSUS. "People's frustration can lead to completely unnecessary battles between deer and humans. With some knowledge and creativity – and willingness to make some minor compromises – you can have a beautiful garden that deer will not destroy," says Laura Simon, wildlife expert and field director of urban wildlife for The HSUS.

Tips from The HSUS on gardening with deer in mind:

Plant wisely

• There is no such thing as a completely "deer-resistant" plant, since deer palates vary seasonally and regionally. However, there are some plants deer will generally avoid,  thus it is possible to have a dazzling array of beautiful flowers in your garden that deer will turn their noses up to such as: strong-smelling plants in the mint, geranium, and marigold families; any plant in the daffodil family; toxic plants such as many in the foxglove and nightshade families; plants with fuzzy, prickly or sharp leaves; and most ornamental grasses and ferns. 
• Check with local experts at nurseries, state cooperative extensions and garden clubs to learn about plants that are less attractive to deer in your area. 
• Wherever possible, use native plants. These species are more likely to have evolved mechanisms to deter deer browsing or tolerate its impact.  

Gentle harassment options

• Some humane harassment devices can be very effective. Motion-activated "Scarecrow" sprinklers work by scaring deer with sudden movement, noise and a blast of water. Battery-operated "electronic" stakes feature scent lures that deliver a mild electric shock and teach deer to avoid certain areas of the garden.

Repellent tips

• Try homemade strategies first if possible to save time and money. Hanging bars of soap on individual trees or shrubs where you want protection sometimes does the trick, particularly brands of soap that are high in tallow fatty acid like Ivory Spring. Others, such as glycerin soaps, will not work. With any strategy, moving things around and switching types of products will help keep deer on their toes and make them wary.
• Commercial repellents can work effectively by making plants taste unpleasant to deer, or by repelling deer with sulfurous odors (e.g. rotten eggs), believed to induce fear by giving off smells that deer associate with a predator.
• The key is to start using repellents before, or as soon as, you notice damage.  Be diligent about reapplying regularly — every two weeks and after heavy rains. Alternating differing kinds of repellents may also help.
• Predator urines are increasingly popular in garden supply stores, but have not scored well in studies which measured the effectiveness of various repellents. In addition, the sources of these products are "fur farms," which raise wild animals for their pelts. Animals at these "farms" suffer from terrible, cramped conditions and die extremely inhumane deaths. For this reason alone, predator urine products should be avoided.

If all else fails

• The most effective AND permanent way to keep deer away from your plants is to install deer-proof fencing. There are a variety of designs. The best type for any given area depends on your specific situation. Fencing options include: plastic mesh, electrified "polytape," woven wire and electric fence kits which come equipped with a scented lure.

The HSUS Wild Neighbors Program promotes non-lethal means for resolving conflicts between people and wildlife and cultivates understanding and appreciation for wild animals commonly found in cities and towns. The program's book, Wild Neighbors: The Humane Approach to Living with Wildlife (December 2007, Humane Society Press) is a useful reference for individuals and communities faced with resolving encounters with wild animals who find their way into yards, gardens, houses, parks and playgrounds. On the web at humanesociety.org/wildneighbors.

-30-

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.