Seus Land Exchange Inc.

By Mark Bailey

Everyone enjoys watching wildlife. In fact, wildlife watching is one of the fastest growing outdoor activities in America. Having wildlife near our homes makes it possible to view many species from a window, so even the elderly and physically disabled can benefit. Interacting with and providing for native animals and plants seems to bring us a pleasure unlike any other e

xperience.

Habitat is the combination of food, water, shelter, and space arranged to meet the needs of wildlife. Given the urban sprawl that is occurring today, natural wildlife habitats increasingly are being altered or destroyed. Although many native wildlife species have declined, some adaptable species have actually benefited from habitat modifications in developed areas. And the good news is that many others can thrive near our homes with a little help from us.

No matter the size of your yard, you can landscape it to attract birds, butterflies, beneficial insects, and other small animals. Trees, shrubs, and other plants provide shelter and food for wildlife. You can even help determine which wildlife species will be attracted to your back yard based on the specific plants you use for food and cover. Nesting boxes, feeders, and watering sites can be added to improve the habitat.

Odds are, you already have some wildlife in your yard, but by making just a few changes, you can greatly enhance the habitat. Diversity in the landscape is essential for a diversity of wildlife. Some plants provide food but very little cover; others provide cover but little food. Productive and attractive wildlife habitat near people's homes is usually the result of careful planning and proper management. When considering your property, think not only of its two-dimensional area but of its vertical dimension as well, from the soil to the treetops.

This vertical area is composed of several zones. The tallest tree branches form the canopy, while smaller trees, shrubs and vines provide the under story vegetation. The groundcover layer has herbaceous plants, mushrooms, and lichens, while the leaf litter and soil support a variety of organisms. Different wildlife species live in each of these zones, so, even on a small piece of land, you can provide many habitats.

Trees and shrubs are the backbone of landscaping design. In addition to providing shelter, many tree and shrub species are sources of food for wildlife. Probably the best thing you can do to enhance wildlife habitat is to plant nursery-grown native trees and shrubs that once grew naturally in your area. (Never dig native plants from the wild). While exotic ornamental shrubs frequently used for landscaping will provide some benefit, most do not yield adequate food for native wildlife and therefore are not recommended.

In addition to the wildlife benefits native plants provide, they are adapted to your local climate, soil, and water conditions. Once established, they are virtually maintenance-free. Selection of the proper plant material can meet both your aesthetic needs and the food and shelter needs of wildlife. Remember that the habitat you create is going to be your habitat, too!

After these steps have been completed, to implement a backyard habitat plan, you must first identify all existing trees and shrubs on your property and evaluate them according to three criteria:

1. The condition/location of plants.


2. The degree of shade provided by the trees and shrubs.


3. The value as a food source to wildlife.

Next, make a sketch of your yard, showing all trees, shrubs, buildings, utilities, and pathways. Don't rule out the option of removing some plants, particularly those exotic species that may be of little wildlife value. Once you know which plants you want to keep, star for plants that will work well with these species. On your sketch, denote the open areas that receive sunshine and the areas that are shaded most of the day. In addition, indicate low, wet areas and those that are usually dry. Make several copies of your sketch, and try drawing different layouts with plants indifferent areas. Add native trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and groundcover plants to your plan.

Unless you have a small yard, don't feel that you must implement your entire plan all at once. Your money and/or time may be limited, so do what you can, and consider it a work in progress.

Plant a variety of trees first. Evergreen species, for instance, provide year-round cover and shelter, while fruit and nut-bearing plants are important food sources. When choosing and placing trees, always consider the eventual size of the tree. Deciduous trees are a good choice for the south side of a house because they provide summer shade but will not completely block winter sun. Select plants that flower and bear fruit at different times of the year. Some shrubs that produce berries can provide food throughout the year. Trees with nuts and fruit can also provide seasonal foods.

Beneath the existing or recently planted trees, fill in with smaller shade-tolerant understory trees and shrubs. These will enhance the vertical structure that is characteristic of natural landscapes. Dogwood, redbud, and many other midstory trees are colorful in the spring when they flower, and they provide berries or seed for fall and winter forage.

Wildflowers add color to the yard and can be added at any stage to attract birds and butterflies. If you have space, consider converting a sunny part of your lot into a meadow for wildflowers and native grasses.

Meadows are mowed only once every year or two. A native wildflower garden can be fun to maintain and, at the same time, can provide important wildlife habitat.

Remember: Most wildlife species are not particularly attracted to well-manicured lawns. Animals are more likely to come out into the open for viewing when the boundary of the yard is designed and maintained as a retreat for them. Try to avoid straight lines and perfect symmetry.

Select at least one location for a permanent water source. Whether a birdbath or an excavated pond, the presence of water will be a magnet to wildlife. A backyard pond does not have to be large to be productive, and if you don't stock fish, you really don't need to worry about filtration. You can buy plastic pond liners at larger home supply stores.

Mark A. Bailey is a consulting biologist for Conservation Services Southeast; mbailey@ConservationSoutheast.com exploring options.

While deer can seem majestic and the thought of them may cue childhood memories of Bambi, but the reality is that deer and your garden do not mix.

So how do you keep deer out of your garden?

Here are the top remedies for repelling deer (click to skip down to details):

• Plant Things Deer Hate


• Use Soap and Fabric Softener Sheets


• Use Netting


• Use Organic Repellents


• Noise and Lights


• Sprinklers


• Fencing

Plant Things Deer Hate

There are some species of plants that are a deterrent to deer because of their taste, texture or smell.

Flowers: marigolds, astilbe, morning glory, buttercup, foxglove, dahlia, Four O'Clock, flowering tobacco, larkspur, poppy, snapdragon, strawflower and vinca
Herbs: rosemary, lavender, and catmint
Shrubs: boxwood and forsythia
Trees: birch, crape myrtle, maple, and spruce
Sidenote-- Deer Love: azaleas, rhododendrons, daylilies, hostas, roses, Columbine, geranium, impatiens, pansies, redbud, and tulips. Many vegetables including beans, potatoes and tomatoes attract deer too.

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Use Soap and Fabric Softener Sheets

Deer are deterred by unnatural, perfume smells. Hang fabric softener sheets on the trees around your garden. You can also sprinkle perfumed soap shavings in your garden. Replace the softener sheets and soap after heavy rain.

Use Netting

Most hardware stores sell sturdy plastic netting that is specially woven to keep deer from getting through to your vegetables. Before you install the netting, drive sturdy stakes or poles into the ground around the perimeter of your garden. Space them two feet apart and attach the netting to the stakes to make a netted fence. The netted fence should be at least seven feet high to discourage deer from jumping over.

Use Organic Repellents

Spraying an area around your garden with a special organic odor-based repellent will also act as a deterrent for deer. Spray on bushes, grass, and trees close to the garden. The lasting of the odor varies, and many organic repellents need reapplication after heavy rain. You can get several of these at garden/hardware stores.

You can also create your own repellents with chili powder, cayenne pepper and hot peppers. Try chopping some peppers and blending them in a blender and add water, let the solution stand overnight, then strain it through cheesecloth and empty into a spray bottle.

Baby powder can also be sprinkled on plants as a perfumed repellent. Try cracking a few eggs and mix with 2 quarts of water and apply the solution to plants. The eggs will decompose and deer won't like the smell.

Noise and Lights

Noise and lights will scare off unsuspecting deer. You can hang reflective material like pie plates or old CDs. If your area is void of any wind this method might not be as effective. Another noise suggestion would be to hang a group of wind chimes or use a motion activated noise maker.

Sprinklers

Installing sprinklers that are timed to turn on at twilight and early morning will startle deer. Some companies manufacture motion sensitive sprinkler systems that are specifically designed for deer. The sprinklers are activated as soon as movement is detected.

Fencing

If you have tried everything and the deer seem to be winning the battle, install an eight-foot high wire mesh fence around your garden. Although this is the most expensive way to protect your garden from deer, it is the most durable. This fence will last for years and will keep determined deer away from your garden.

Utilizing these techniques may take a little trial and error, but you are sure to find something to work to keep your garden deer free and safe from being eaten.

Labels: deer repellant, garden pest remedies, gardening, keep deer out of the garden, vegetable gardens