Controlling Deer In My Landscape

You may be excited or even feel a sense of awe, the first time you see a deer in your yard.

Deers On Front Lawn

They can be beautiful, however…

As pretty as they are to look at unfortunately, deer can quickly decimate decorative trees and shrubs. Vegetable gardens and fruit trees are especially vulnerable. Not only can they bedestructive to your vegetation, deer can also carry ticks that spread Lyme disease, that can have a major effect on both people and dogs.

We regularly get questions from homeowners about the best method for deterring this potential nascence. To determine what will work best for your yard, you’ll need to assess the area in need of control.

Vegetable gardens

Gardens are highly attractive to deer, they will eat not only the fruit or vegetable but can chew through the plant material in no time.  The best protection for gardens is a well-constructed fence or cage around the garden and doesn’t involve the use of sprays or chemicals.

Deer Fence Protecting Shrubs

Landscape

One technique to reduce deer grazing on your landscape plants is to substitute less palatable species of plants for those that deer prefer. Deer-resistant species include yarrow, coneflower, lavender and daffodils. However, there is no guarantee that a hungry deer will leave these plants alone entirely, you may find you need additional protection.

Two Cone Flowers in Bloom

If you choose to use repellents spraying or granule repellents may be the best routes for control on landscape plants, while not affecting the aesthetics of the landscape.

There are many different sprays available in both homemade and commercial options. Using a liquid allows you to spray directly on foliage and target specific areas. Some commercial brands use latex and wax as a protective coating to help the product last on the plant.

Containers of Deer Off Spray and Deer Scram Powder

Granular formulas are limited in that they can only be applied to the ground; however, a huge plus is that it can be applied in freezing temperatures, providing wintertime protection.   Most of the granule products utilize garlic black pepper and other herb oils on a carrier.

Keep in mind whichever application method you choose, one application especially during the growing season will not be enough, so be diligent and re-apply to protect your beautiful landscape. Be sure to always follow the directions listed on the product label.

January 21, 2019
Salvador G.

Salvador G.

Mowing Crew Member

Salvador began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March 2017.

Noe G.

Noé G.

Landscape Crew Member

Noé began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in July of 2020.

David R.

David R.

Landscape Crew Member

David began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March of 2019.

Fredi O.

Fredi O.

Landscape & Mowing Crew Member

Fredi began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March of 2003.

Miguel B.

Miguel B.

Mowing Crew Leader

Miguel began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in June 2014.

Nelson H.

Nelson H.

Landscape Crew Leader

Nelson began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March 2019.

Arturo D.

Arturo D.

Landscape Crew Leader

Arturo began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in September of 2011.

Antonio S.

Antonio S.

Landscape Crew Leader

Antonio began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March 2001.

Mark Q.

Mark Q.

Pond Manager

Mark began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in September 2010. Mark holds the following certifications; Aquascape Academy Certified, Maryland Certified Pesticide Applicator, and Maryland Certified Fertilizer Applicator.

Shawnee T.

Shawnee T.

Office Assistant and Customer Care

Shawnee began working with Damascus Enterprises in April 2021.

Mike B.

Mike B.

Landscape Designer, Plant & Lawn Care Specialist

Mike is a 3rd generation landscape professional and has worked in the field of horticulture for over 20 years. He has an AAS degree in landscape technology from Montgomery College. Mike is a Certified Professional Horticulturist through the Maryland Department of Agriculture and Landscape Industry Certified in softscape, and hardscape installation certified through PLANET. Mike began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in February 2014. 

Scott Brown

Scott Brown

President / Owner

Damascus Enterprises, Inc. was established by Scott in 1998 as strictly a landscape company. Under his leadership and through continued training the business has grown and expanded to now offer a full array of services that include pond and waterfall installation and maintenance, lawn care, landscape design, custom stonework, and outdoor lighting.Scott is an Aquascape Certified Contractor, Vista Certified Design & Installation Specialist and regularly attends industry education and networking events like Pondemonium and Pondeminium. He has previously been recognized as a top young entrepreneur by Maryland’s Governor and the Small Business Association. He currently serves on the board of Montgomery County Farm Bureau and is Co-chair of the entertainment committee of the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair and is involved in the Damascus community through various activities. Scott and his wife Melody live in Damascus with their two children.