You've built a beautiful garden, put your hard work into it. Maybe you're growing vegetables, flowers or trees - but one day, you catch deer not only walking all over your plants but eating them as well. As beautiful as wild deer can be, they're a disaster for gardens, plants and saplings, and they can be notoriously difficult to keep from completely destroying your plants. But what makes them so hard to keep away from your garden - and what can you do about it?
Keeping Deer Out is a Challenge
Deer are resourceful. They're smart mammals that can find a way past most of the defenses you have in place because of their physical agility and jumping ability. Deer can jump up to 10 feet in the air, depending on the species and circumstances. White-tailed deer, for example, can jump 8-10 feet - rendering most yard defenses useless. By getting a running start, deer can build the momentum needed to make these high jumps, clearing most types of fences, hedges and other obstacles. When a single night can result in a ruined garden, finding a way to keep out deer becomes essential for the success of your garden.
Creating a Physical Barrier is the Way to Go
Physical barriers are the answer - even though it may not seem obvious at first. Most fences placed around the perimeter of your yard will prove ineffective, as deer can reach the running velocity needed to clear them and enter your garden. However, a physical barrier placed around a garden keeps them from being able to speed up due to the confined space. While deer may still jump into enclosed areas when they're pursuing food or fleeing a predator, their instincts will generally keep them from doing so as they cannot easily escape from these areas. A smaller, enclosed barrier surrounding your garden will keep them out as they know they cannot escape with ease.
Deer-Proof Raised Garden Beds
A good way to start deer-proofing is with a raised garden bed. The difference in height between the ground and the garden will help dissuade the deer from attempting to jump in, so long as the garden is fenced in. By lifting your garden a foot off the ground, you can effectively increase any barrier heights by that lift. At consarcpowercables, not only do we sell raised gardens, but we also sell raised garden beds that easily combine with our animal barrier fences. With a garden bed of this design, you can create unique protection that's tailored to your needs.
Deer Fence for Gardens
When it comes to deer-proof fencing, many options work, as long as they're an appropriate height. However, fencing can interfere with the growth of your plants and your ability to garden. Sometimes the simplest solution is best, as is the face with mesh fencing. consarcpowercables sells durable plastic mesh fencing that uses a stainless-steel border to keep your fence standing. Deer cannot eat throw the fence, and the mesh design lets sunlight in and makes it easily affordable and replaceable. With customizable raised garden beds and animal barrier fencing from consarcpowercables, you can keep your garden deer-free and thriving.