Deer resistant landscaping

Two deer - Belgatos Park, Los GatosAs plums fall from our neighbor’s trees, the deer come to assist in the cleanup.  We walk our dog past this area daily and are noticing the distinct hoof marks left by the deer as they come to claim their dessert each night.

On Alerche Drive, many homes have wrought iron fences and gates installed to keep the deer from devouring their expensive landscaping.  For most of Belwood, Belgatos and Surmont, though, a 5′ tall fence of this sort is not feasible, nor would the local rules and regulations permit them anywhere close to the street.  Aside from big barriers, what can be done to protect plants and trees from our voracious friends?

A number of websites include information on deer resistant – or possibly “deer proof” – landscaping.  Here are some helpful resources:

Yerba Buena Nursery in Half Moon Bay offers landscaping tips and a list of plants less likely to make the favorites list for the deer:
http://www.yerbabuenanursery.com/DEER1a.php

On the Central Coast area of California, the Las Pilitas Nursery suggests that most ideal is to target plants which less susceptible to both deer and fire:  http://www.laspilitas.com/easy/deerfire.htm

The Deer Friendly website shares information on landscaping to avoid attracting deer as well as hints on barriers to them.
http://www.deerfriendly.com/deer-resistant-plants (and more links too)

 

Deer on Bacigalupi Drive

Yesterday we were walking our dog, Bella, to Belgatos Park (as we often do) and spotted some deer. Interestingly, we were inside of the park, and they were outside of it!  Below please see some images from those few minutes when they high-tailed it back into the park.

View from inside Belgatos Park - deer on a Bacigalupi front yard!

It was more obvious in person – next see a closeup:

View from inside the park - a closer look

The deer watched us carefully as we approached but eventually decided they needed to head back to the park. In the photo below, you may be able to see one of them on the right side of the road and another deer on the far left by the tree (there were 2 babies but none of the photos show all of them, unfortunately).

Deer crossing Bacigalupi Drive

Here’s a clearer image of two of the deer.

Deer in the road

Back into the park (they went around to the side where the fencing ends to get it).

Two deer in Belgatos Park, Los Gatos

A clear shot of two of the three deer just inside the park again.

Heading out to the open space

Heading back into the open space!

Deer back at home in Belgatos Park, Los Gatos, CA

Away from the fence, the street and the houses, this deer looks to be back where it is most comfortable.