As a nature lover and someone who is passionate about deer, I can tell you that while deer are not known to eat succulents as a part of their typical diet, in times of low food availability they may resort to snacking on your precious plants. In this blog post, I’ll share some simple and effective ways to keep deer away from your succulents and protect your garden. So, if you’re wondering, “do deer eat succulents?” – read on!

Do Deer Eat Succulents?

Deer are generally not known to eat succulents, as they have a diet consisting mainly of grasses, shrubs and leaves. However, in times of scarcity or low food availability, they may resort to eating succulents and other plants that are not typically a part of their diet. As a result, it is important to take measures to prevent deer from feeding on your precious succulents and other garden plants. This can be accomplished through the use of deer repellents, physical barriers, or selecting plants that are less appealing to deer.

Feeding Habits of Deer

Deer are primarily herbivores with a diet consisting of grasses, leaves, and shrubs. They usually don’t eat succulent plants, as these have evolved with natural defense mechanisms, such as sharp spines or bitter taste, that discourage browsing. However, during the harsh winter weather or droughts, when natural food sources are scarce, deer tend to roam farther afield and look for other sources of food. In such circumstances, our beloved succulents are at risk of being browsed by deer.

Types of Succulents Attractive to Deer

Not all succulent plant species are equally appealing to deer. Some, such as Hens and Chicks, Agave, Sempervivum, and Aloe, have evolved to be less attractive to deer because of the presence of thorns, stiff leaves, or unpleasant flavors. Others, such as Sedum, Echeveria, and Kalanchoe, may be more vulnerable to deer browsing due to their soft and tasty leaves. If you want to protect your succulent collection from deer damage, consider replacing the most vulnerable species with the more deer-resistant ones.

Extent of Damage Caused by Deer

Deer grazing on succulent plants can cause a severe impact on their growth and survival. Deer are browsers, which means they take a bite here and a nibble there, causing damage that may not be immediately noticeable. Over time, this can lead to stunted growth, deformed leaves, and even death. Moreover, when deer are deprived of their natural food sources, they may become more aggressive and cause more significant damage to your garden.

Protecting Succulents from Deer Damage

There are multiple ways you can protect your succulents from deer damage.

Build a Fence

One of the most effective ways to keep deer out of your garden is to build a fence around it. Deer can jump up to 8 feet in height, so make sure your fence is at least that tall. It should also be made of a sturdy material that can withstand the weight of deer pushing against it, such as metal or heavy-duty plastic. To further deter deer from trying to jump over, you can add a slanted top to the fence or place a double fence with a 4-5 foot gap between them. Make sure the fence is buried at least 8-12 inches deep into the ground to prevent deer from digging under it.

Companion Planting

Companion planting is an excellent strategy that involves surrounding your succulents with deer-resistant plants that serve as natural barriers. Good options may include butterfly weed, lavender, yarrow, daisy, and coneflower.

Repellents

Deer repellents are another effective method of deterring deer, which may come in the form of sprays, granules, or electronic devices that emit sounds or lights to scare them away.

If you opt for using deer repellents, make sure to choose a high-quality product that is safe for both your plants and the environment. However, keep in mind that deer resistance is not the same as deer-proof, and if the deer population in your area is very high, even repellents may not be enough.

Install Motion-Activated Sprinklers or Lights

Since deer are skittish animals, they can be easily scared by sudden noises or movements. You can install motion-activated sprinklers or lights around your garden perimeter to deter them from entering. When the sprinkler senses movement, it releases a burst of water that startles the deer and teaches them to avoid your garden in the future. Similarly, motion-activated lights can scare deer away and make it harder for them to navigate the area at night.

Hang Reflective Objects

Adding sparkly or reflective objects to your garden such as CDs or aluminum foil strips can be an effective way to keep deer away. The reflection of sunlight or moonlight off of these objects can be disorienting and frightening for deer, leading them to stay away from your garden.

Use Sound or Smell Deterrents

Deer have a strong sense of hearing and smell, and certain sounds and smells can be very unpleasant for them. Using devices like windchimes, ultrasonic devices, or human hair placed around the garden can deter deer from coming in. Alternatively, you can use scents like human hair, soap, or rotten egg to make the area unappealing to deer. Be aware that these methods should be rotated periodically, as deer can become accustomed to the smells or sounds and they will no longer be effective.

Clean Up Debris and Fallen Fruit

Leaving debris, fallen fruit or leaves on the ground can attract deer and other pests to your garden. Make sure to keep the garden area free of debris and clean up any fallen fruit promptly. This will help to limit the number of attractive food sources and lower the chances of deer coming into the area.

Utilize Natural Barriers

You can create natural barriers that deer don’t want to cross, such as planting thorny or prickly bushes like holly or barberry around the perimeter of your garden. These will provide a physical barrier that deer will avoid. Another option is to use a natural deer repellent like blood meal or bone meal, both of which are strong smelling and unpleasant for deer.

Succulent Plant Maintenance

Keep your succulents healthy and vigorous so that they can defend themselves better. Good sunlight exposure, proper watering, and appropriate soil mix are essential factors in maintaining robust succulent plants. Avoid overfertilizing or overwatering your plants, as this may attract deer or other pests. Regular inspection of your succulent garden for signs of deer browsing is also crucial, as early detection can help you take the necessary measures to minimize damage.

Deer-Resistant Plants for Your Garden

Here is a list of some deer-resistant plants that you might consider planting in your garden:

Butterfly Bush
Ornamental Grasses
Japanese Plum Yew
Lavender
Salvia
Marigold
Irises
Thyme

Benefits of Using Deer-Resistant Plants in the Garden

Using deer-resistant plants in your garden has a number of benefits beyond simply protecting your succulents from deer damage. Firstly, you will be able to enjoy a garden full of lush greenery without having to worry about deer coming in and eating everything in sight. Additionally, many deer-resistant plants are actually very attractive and can add a lot of visual interest to your garden. Some even have fragrant blooms or produce fruit that can be harvested and used.

Furthermore, using deer-resistant plants is an environmentally friendly solution to the problem of deer browsing. Instead of relying on chemical repellents or physical barriers, you can simply choose plant species that deer are less likely to eat. This helps to preserve the natural balance of your garden ecosystem and can be especially important if you live in an area that is home to a number of different wildlife species.

Proper Care and Maintenance of Deer-Resistant Plants

Choose the right soil: Deer-resistant plants thrive in soil that is well-draining, nutrient-rich, and has a pH level that is suitable for their specific needs. Make sure to do your research and choose soil that is appropriate for the plants you plan to grow.
Water regularly: All plants need water, but it is especially important to water deer-resistant plants regularly to help them establish strong root systems and grow healthy foliage. Be sure to water deeply and regularly throughout the growing season to keep your plants hydrated and healthy.
Prune and fertilize: Regular pruning and fertilization can help to promote healthy growth and prevent disease in deer-resistant plants. Make sure to follow best practices for pruning and fertilization specific to the plants you have chosen.
Watch for pests: While deer-resistant plants are less likely to be eaten by deer, they may still be vulnerable to other pests and diseases. Keep an eye out for any signs of damage or infestations, and take steps to treat your plants accordingly.

Conclusion

So, do deer eat succulents? The answer is yes, but only in certain circumstances. While they mainly stick to their natural diet, they may turn to your succulents when food is scarce. To avoid this, there are several simple ways to keep deer away from your garden and precious plants.

From using strong smelling repellents to building physical barriers, it’s all about finding a method that works for you. By choosing plants that deer aren’t attracted to, such as lavender or sage, you can also reduce the likelihood of them feeding on your succulents. With a little bit of effort and creativity, you can enjoy a beautiful garden full of succulents without worrying about deer feasting on them!