FAQs from homeowners looking to protect their conservation landscapes from heavy deer browsing:

1. “Are there any truly deer-proof plants?”
   While no plant is completely deer-proof, certain native species are far less appealing to deer. Look for plants with fuzzy or aromatic foliage (e.g., mountain mint, bee balm) or those containing bitter-tasting compounds (e.g., milkweeds, certain viburnums).
2. “What if deer eat my ‘deer-resistant’ plants anyway?”
   In times of food scarcity or if deer populations are very high, hungry deer might sample almost anything. Consider adding multiple layers of protection—physical barriers, repellents, and a diverse palette of native plants to limit damage to just a few species.
3. “Does fencing have to be 8 feet tall?”
   While a fence under 8 feet can still deter some deer, a standard recommendation for full protection is at least 8 feet. Alternatives like angled fences or dual fences 4–5 feet apart can also be effective while using less material.
4. “Will repellents harm other wildlife or pollinators?”
   Most natural repellents (like garlic or capsaicin sprays) won’t significantly affect pollinators or birds. However, be mindful with more potent chemical-based repellents—always follow the label instructions to protect beneficial wildlife.
5. “How do I protect just a few vulnerable trees or shrubs?”
   Individual plant protectors or wire cages can shield young saplings and prized shrubs during critical establishment periods. Once the plants mature, you might remove or lower the cages if browsing pressure decreases.
6. “Do motion-sensor sprinklers really work?”
   They can be surprisingly effective at startling deer—especially in smaller gardens. However, deer often adapt if the deterrent remains predictable. Rotating deterrent devices or moving them occasionally helps maintain effectiveness.
7. “If I reduce lawn and plant more native shrubs, will that attract even more deer?”
   Proper plant choice is key. By selecting species known to be less palatable, you still provide ecological benefits for pollinators and birds without creating a free buffet for deer. In many cases, well-chosen native shrubs actually reduce deer pressure on more vulnerable ornamental plants.
8. “How often do I need to reapply repellents?”
   It depends on the product and weather conditions. Many products need reapplication every 2–3 weeks and after heavy rainfall. Check manufacturer guidance, and consider alternating formulas to prevent deer habituation.
9. “Do I need to do anything special in winter?”
   Winter can be a high-risk browsing period when natural forage is limited. Ensure fences or barriers remain in good shape, apply repellents as recommended, and consider temporary burlap wraps on especially vulnerable shrubs or saplings.
10. “How can I track what’s happening in my yard when I’m not around?”
    Some homeowners use trail cameras or motion-activated cameras to identify deer activity patterns. Monitoring can help fine-tune deterrent placement and timing.

By combining multiple strategies—choosing resilient plants, building barriers, rotating repellents, and monitoring deer behavior—landscapes can flourish while coexisting with local wildlife.