DeerGuys
5 min read

How to Protect New Plantings From Deer

July 9, 2025

Planting new shrubs, trees, and flowers is an exciting part of landscaping, but the joy can quickly turn to frustration when deer decide to help themselves to your freshly planted greenery. Whether you’re adding a few new trees to your yard or starting a flower garden, protecting these new plantings from deer is crucial to ensuring they grow and thrive.

In this blog, we’ll share practical and effective ways to protect your new plantings from deer damage, allowing your garden to flourish without worrying about deer damage. Let’s explore how Deer Guys’ professional deer repellent spraying services can help safeguard your new plants and create a deer-free landscape.

1. Use Deer Repellent Sprays for Immediate Protection

One of the most effective ways to protect new plantings from deer is by using deer repellent sprays. Deer are naturally drawn to tender, young plants, making them particularly vulnerable to damage in the early stages of growth. Deer repellent sprays create a barrier around your plants that deer find unpleasant and will avoid.

Why Deer Repellent Spraying Works:

  • Natural deterrents: Our weather-resistant formula uses natural ingredients like garlic, peppermint oil, and hot pepper that deer find irritating.
  • Non-toxic: Our repellent is eco-friendly, so it’s safe for your plants, pets, and family.
  • Long-lasting protection: When applied regularly, our repellent stays effective for up to 3–4 weeks, even after rain or snow.

By applying deer repellent spray around your new plantings, you can ensure they remain untouched by hungry deer while they grow and mature.

2. Protect Young Trees with Tree Guards

Young trees are particularly vulnerable to deer damage, especially in the early stages of growth. Deer can strip the bark from young trees, which can stunt their growth or even kill them. Installing tree guards around the trunks of young trees is a simple yet effective way to protect them from deer.

Benefits of Tree Guards:

  • Physical barrier: Tree guards provide a physical barrier that prevents deer from reaching the trunk and bark of your trees.
  • Affordable and easy to install: Tree guards are an inexpensive and simple solution that can be quickly applied to protect your investment.
  • Long-term protection: Guards can be left on your trees as they grow, offering long-term protection until the trees are established.

At Deer Guys, we recommend using tree guards in conjunction with deer repellent spraying to offer complete protection for your young trees.

3. Create Barriers with Deer-Resistant Plants

Incorporating deer-resistant plants into your landscape can help protect your new plantings by making your garden less attractive to deer. Some plants are naturally unappealing to deer because of their strong smells, sharp textures, or bitter tastes.

Deer-Resistant Plants to Use:

  • Lavender: The strong fragrance of lavender repels deer and adds beauty to your garden.
  • Marigolds: The pungent smell of marigolds is a natural deer deterrent.
  • Thorny shrubs: Holly, barberry, and thorny roses act as a natural fence, deterring deer from crossing.
  • Herbs: Sage, rosemary, and thyme are excellent at keeping deer at bay while enhancing your landscape.

Planting a border of deer-resistant plants around your new plantings will not only add color and texture to your garden but also help deter deer from entering your space.

4. Use Motion-Activated Deterrents

Deer are wary of sudden movements and noise. Installing motion-activated deterrents, such as sprinklers or lights, can scare deer away from your new plantings and keep them from returning.

Motion-Activated Deterrents:

  • Motion-activated sprinklers: These sprinklers emit a burst of water when they detect movement, startling the deer and sending them running.
  • Motion-activated lights: Bright lights can also be used to deter deer, especially during dawn and dusk when they are most active.

These deterrents work well in combination with deer repellent sprays, as they will keep the deer from getting too close to your new plantings while they get used to the repellent scent.

5. Install Low Fences Around High-Risk Areas

If you have new plantings that are particularly attractive to deer, such as vegetable gardens or flower beds, consider installing a low fence or netting around these areas. A simple 3-4 foot high fence can be an effective way to keep deer from accessing vulnerable plants.

Benefits of Low Fences:

  • Affordable: Low fences or netting are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
  • Customizable: You can easily adjust the height and shape to suit the needs of your garden.
  • Easy to move: If needed, low fences can be moved to different areas as your garden grows.

A low fence around your new plantings can help protect them from deer while still allowing you to enjoy an open, natural garden.

6. Maintain a Clean Garden to Avoid Attracting Deer

Deer are more likely to visit your garden if they find food easily available. Keeping your garden clean and tidy will make it less attractive to deer and reduce the likelihood of them discovering your new plants.

Garden Maintenance Tips:

  • Remove fallen fruit and vegetables: If you have fruit trees or vegetable gardens, pick up any fallen produce to avoid attracting deer.
  • Trim tall grass: Deer are attracted to tall grass and weeds. Regularly mow your lawn to keep the area clean.
  • Clear brush and weeds: Dense vegetation and weeds provide shelter for deer, so keeping your garden clear of this can discourage deer from entering.

By maintaining a clean, organized garden, you reduce the chances of attracting deer and help protect your new plantings from potential damage.

Why Choose Deer Guys for Protecting Your New Plantings?

At Deer Guys, we specialize in protecting new plantings from deer damage with our professional deer repellent spraying service. Here’s why we’re the best choice for keeping your plants safe:

  • Customized solutions: We tailor our deer control strategy to meet the unique needs of your yard and garden.
  • Natural, safe ingredients: Our deer repellent is made from safe, eco-friendly ingredients that won’t harm your plants, pets, or family.
  • Long-lasting protection: Our weather-resistant formula ensures that your new plantings stay protected, even in adverse weather conditions.
  • Ongoing service: We offer regular follow-up applications every 3-4 weeks to provide continuous protection.

With Deer Guys, you can rest easy knowing your new plantings are safe from deer damage, allowing them to grow strong and healthy.

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Final Thoughts: Protect Your New Plantings with Deer Control

New plantings are an investment in your landscape, and protecting them from deer damage is essential to ensure they thrive. With a combination of deer repellent spraying, strategic landscaping, and physical barriers, you can protect your garden and enjoy a deer-free yard.

Contact us today to schedule your first application and start protecting your new plantings from deer damage!

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