Protecting Lilies and Phlox from Deer Damage

Creating a wildlife-friendly garden that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds is a wonderful goal, especially when your property borders a pond. However, the abundant wildlife often includes deer that can devastate flowering plants like lilies and phlox before they even have a chance to bloom.

Low Visibility Deer Fence

Effective Deer Deterrent Strategies

Vertical Deer Fencing

The most reliable solution is installing a proper deer fence. A vertical fence needs to be at least 8 feet high to effectively exclude deer. These systems are available in kit form and typically include coated metal or aluminum posts, tension wire, a gate, braces, and landscape staples.

Key installation considerations:

• Gate access: Essential for allowing any trapped deer to escape
• Ground securement: The bottom must be stapled to prevent crawling underneath
• Staple selection: Length depends on soil type—longer staples for loam, rebar staples for clay or rocky terrain
• Low-visibility mesh: Plastic or metal wide mesh blends into the landscape
• Visibility markers: Colored streamers or markers help deer see the fence since they have poor eyesight

Slanted Deer Fencing Alternative

A slanted fence angled 30-45 degrees away from the protected area can be effective at only 5 feet high. Deer's poor depth perception prevents them from attempting to cross, even though they physically could. These can also be electrified for added deterrence, and existing wooden fences can be retrofitted with this system.

With proper fencing, you can enjoy your butterfly and hummingbird garden without sacrificing your lilies and phlox to hungry deer.