If deer seemed manageable all summer, fall can be a rude surprise. Shrubs that went untouched for months suddenly get stripped, and young trees show scraped, shredded bark. There’s a reason for it, and a simple way to stay ahead.
Why fall is different
Food is disappearing. As gardens die back and natural forage thins out, deer turn to what’s left, and that’s often your evergreens, arborvitae, yews, and rhododendrons.
The rut is on. In October and November, bucks rub their antlers on young trees to mark territory. That rubbing can strip bark and seriously damage a tree.
Deer get bolder. During the rut, deer move more, travel farther, and are less cautious about coming close to homes.
How to protect your yard this fall
1. Start before you see damage. Deer form habits. It’s much easier to keep them from starting on your shrubs than to break the habit once they have.
2. Focus on what they’ll eat this winter. Evergreens and broadleaf shrubs are what deer depend on once snow covers the ground. Protect them now.
3. Protect young trees from rubbing. Spray trunks of young trees, especially along the edges of your property where deer travel.
4. Rotate your repellent. Deer can get used to one scent over time. Alternate monthly between Deer Stopper (mint and rosemary) and Deer Stopper II (cinnamon and clove) so they never adapt.
5. Treat large properties efficiently. For orchards, nurseries, or big yards, Deer Stopper Concentrate mixes with water. One gallon treats about an acre.
What makes Deer Stopper work
Deer Stopper works on smell and taste. Deer catch the scent, take one bite, and move on. Once it’s dry, it’s weather-resistant and won’t stain walkways, concrete, or turf.
Keep it going: Reapply about every 30 days, regardless of rain or watering, or at first sight of animal activity.
Shop Deer Stopper
- Ready-to-Use: point and spray for shrubs and gardens
- Concentrate: large properties and acres
- Granular: beds and borders
- Deer Stopper II: rotate monthly for best results