If you live in Southeast Michigan, you’ve likely encountered some unwelcome visitors—deer, rabbits, and groundhogs—frequenting your yard. These adorable yet ravenous critters can quickly turn your beautifully landscaped property into their personal buffet, causing significant damage to your plants and trees. While we appreciate the beauty of wildlife, it’s important to implement strategies that deter them from feasting on your investment.
Why Critters Love Your Landscape
Your landscape provides a tempting feast for local wildlife, especially during the colder months when natural food sources become scarce. Deer, in particular, are notorious for browsing on evergreens such as arborvitae and yews, which remain a vital food source throughout the winter. Rabbits and groundhogs, on the other hand, may not be a year-round threat as they hibernate during the winter, but they can still cause substantial damage in the warmer months.
Effective Strategies to Protect Your Landscape
Fortunately, there are proven methods to keep wildlife at bay without harming the environment. Here are some expert-approved strategies to safeguard your landscape from critters:
1. Apply Natural and Organic Animal Repellents
One of the most effective ways to deter wildlife is through the use of repellents. Proper and timely applications of animal repellents can make your plants less appealing to hungry critters. These repellents contain 100% natural and organic ingredients—many of which can be found in your own refrigerator or pantry—such as garlic, eggs, and hot peppers. These ingredients create an unpleasant smell and taste that animals instinctively avoid.
2. Winter Protection for Evergreens
Since deer do not hibernate and actively forage throughout the winter, your evergreen trees and shrubs are especially vulnerable. Applying a winter-specific repellent can provide a protective barrier that deters deer from munching on your arborvitae, yews, and other beloved evergreens. Ensuring consistent coverage during the colder months is essential for year-round plant health.
3. Physical Barriers and Fencing
Installing fencing around vulnerable areas can provide a reliable defense against larger animals like deer. Options such as deer netting or burlap wrapping for trees and shrubs can help minimize damage during peak feeding seasons. For smaller critters like rabbits, consider low fencing around garden beds.
4. Companion Planting
Strategically planting deer-resistant species alongside more vulnerable plants can naturally discourage browsing. Plants such as lavender, marigolds, and daffodils have strong scents that deter wildlife and can help create a natural protective barrier.
5. Regular Landscape Assessments
Working with a professional landscaping service ensures that your property is regularly monitored for signs of wildlife activity. Experts can recommend proactive measures tailored to your landscape’s unique needs and implement timely repellent applications to maintain a critter-free environment.
Why Choose Berns Landscaping for Wildlife Management
At Berns Landscaping, we understand the challenges that Southeast Michigan homeowners face when it comes to protecting their landscapes from hungry wildlife. Our team of experts will assess your property and create a custom wildlife deterrent program that utilizes environmentally friendly solutions to keep your plants safe year-round.
Get Started Today!
Don’t let your landscape become nature’s food court. Contact Berns Landscaping today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our natural and effective critter control solutions. Enjoy a beautiful, thriving landscape without the worry of unwanted wildlife damage!