Warm weather brings a flurry of landscaping activity as homeowners plant spring gardens. But the Colorado Division of Wildlife reminds people who live in areas with high concentrations of deer to select plants wisely. Deer are active this time of year. Unlike other wildlife, deer tend to do well in residential areas, taking advantage of many expensive ornamental plants and garden vegetables. The DOW does not remove or relocate deer from urban areas, so homeowners should prepare to coexist.
“Homeowners would be wise to ‘deer-proof’ their ornamental gardens by selecting plants that deer do not like,” said Shaun Deeney, an area wildlife manager.
Although a deer-proof fence is the best insurance against damage, landscaping with deer-resistant plants is a more aesthetically pleasing alternative. Deer eat a variety of vegetation, including woody plants, grasses, fruits, nuts, ornamental trees, shrubs, vines and garden vegetables.
Deer that graze on urban lawns tend to like the early-blooming flowers like tulips, Deeney said.
