You’ve put time, care and effort into creating a beautiful garden—don’t let hungry deer, rabbits, rodents, birds or other unwanted visitors undo all your hard work. And while we understand that these animals play an important role in our local ecosystem, they can quickly damage flowers, vegetables, shrubs, trees and lawns.
Trusted local nurseries carry a wide selection of proven animal repellent products to help keep your landscape safe throughout the year.
The most popular products for protecting plants are scent-based repellents. These products work by overwhelming an animal’s sense of smell or by mimicking the scent of predators or danger. They work best for deer, rabbits and squirrels. Most scent repellents should be reapplied after heavy rain and periodically throughout the growing season for maximum effectiveness.
Taste repellents protect plants by making them unappetizing after an animal takes its first bite. The unpleasant taste teaches browsing animals to avoid returning. Taste repellents are especially useful for protecting young trees, hostas, tulips, vegetables and newly planted shrubs.
Repellents come in several different forms: ready-to-use sprays, dry granules and concentrates. Effective physical barriers are also available, such as plastic netting and tree trunk guards.
Spray repellents come pre-mixed and can be applied directly to foliage, flowers, shrubs and trees. There are specially labeled products for veggies. These sprays are ideal for homeowners looking for fast, convenient protection without mixing concentrates.
For larger landscapes, concentrate formulas provide a more economical option. These products are diluted with water and applied using a pump sprayer or hose-end sprayer. They are ideal for large gardens and commercial landscapes.
Granular repellents are spread around planting beds, gardens or lawns to create a protective barrier. As animals approach, they encounter odors or irritants that discourage them from entering the area. They are easy to apply with a handheld spreader and are excellent for treating larger areas.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your garden is with protective netting. Unlike sprays or scent repellents that discourage animals from feeding, netting creates a physical barrier that prevents wildlife from reaching your plants in the first place. Netting can be set up like a fence or draped over desirable plants such as fruit trees, berry bushes and veggies.
Every garden is different, and so is every wildlife challenge. There is a safe and effective solution, so you can spend more time enjoying your garden and less time repairing wildlife damage.
