Cedar Hedge Protection From Those Pesky Deer
/Posted on September 8, 2017 by Dennis Slade
Driving around the Okanagan, it is easy to see where the deer population are abundant simply by looking at half-eaten cedar hedges. Often, the first 3 to 4 feet from the ground up look sparse and damaged. While it is lovely to have these majestic creatures in ones’ yard, the aftermath can potentially devastate your evergreens. Hedgehogs Cedar Pros in Kelowna has some ideas to help you protect your beloved trees.
Cedar Hedge Young Seedlings
Newly planted cedars are especially vulnerable as the root systems are not established and the actual trees are still quite small. While many people install motion activated solar lights for extra security on their yards, it is often comical to see the deer completely ignore a bright burst of light. Of course, some deer populations will be spooked and take the high road once faced with a bright flash; however, we have all seen deer become paralyzed in the glare of headlights, so this tactic may do more for providing home security from burglars as opposed to the deer. The key is to take action fast since you are dealing with creatures of habit. If you have lots of long grass and “comfy” locations within your property, you may unwittingly attract more deer than you bargained for!
Offend Their Sense of Smell & Add Aromatic Herbs
Deer dislike strong fragrances. Planting onions, oregano, garlic, sage, chives and similar plants close to your cedars this can deter their appetite. Any plants that are fuzzy, prickly and bitter can help you protect your cedar hedge. Some people rely on dousing homemade mixtures involving lemon juice, garlic and hot sauce around their perimeter; however, be sure to reapply often as rain and irrigation will dissipate this solution. There are reports that hanging highly fragrant soap from cedar trees (eg. Irish Spring), or dryer sheets has successfully kept the deer away. You can strategically tie your bar of soap inside the branches of established hedges to maintain your aesthetic and protect the soap from disintegrating too fast.
Scatter Human Hair Clippings
Deer are smart animals who associate the smell of human hair with potential hunters. If you cut your hair at home or work at a salon (or know someone who does), consider collecting a bag of human hair and adding it to the edge of your garden beds. This can help protect your veggie garden as well as those tasty tulips and other bulbs next spring.
Cedar Hedge Protection: Fencing Your Perimeter
The most effective way to keep deer out of your yard or garden is to put up adequate fencing. However, this is obviously one of the most expensive options. If you are going to rely on chicken wire or some similar snow fence material; ensure that it is far enough away from the trees to protect long tongues and lips from munching through. Burlap wrapping is another alternative; however, be sure to avoid damaging your branches and do not wrap it super tight.
Strategically Draw the Deer Elsewhere
Many clients rely on the old saying, “If you can’t beat them, join them!” Adding a salt block or planting a clover patch can possibly help you draw the deer away to a different location on your property. Some grape varieties and climbing roses do rather well by having their leaves continually chewed, forcing the vines to go onwards and upwards. Hedgehogs Cedar Pros can assess your deer damage and provide an estimate on recovery time. Generally, it takes years for slow-growing cedars to fill in. If you have planted them for privacy, this can be disappointing. However, we can help you remove the cedars that need to come out and replant for a fresh start. Call us today to book a hedge evaluation! In the mean time, consider banging on some pots and pans when you see these critters or having a radio play from within your hedge for extra deterrence!