Do Deer Eat Plums? How to Prevent?

Plum tree branch, close up shot.

Deer populations visit nearly all fruit trees, including apples and plums. Any fruit in your garden will be gratefully accepted as a delicious meal by deer. When available, deer populations visit nearly all fruit trees, including plums

Deer Species

Mule and white-tailed deer, both Odocoileus species, are found throughout North America, along with subspecies. Mule deer have longer ears and a stockier build than white-tailed deer. Both species’ populations are widespread over their home ranges, with some regions having significantly higher densities than others. Orchards and landscape plants, such as fruit and fruit trees, are favorites of both species.

Plum Trees

White-tailed dee and mule deer, along with subspecies, are the two most common deer species in North America. White-tailed deer have slimmer bodies and larger ears than mule deer, which have hei bodies and larger ears. Both species have large populations throughout their respective territories, though some areas have larger populations than others. Orchards and landscape plants, including fruits and fruit trees, are favorites of both species.

Wild plum trees are simple to grow, resistant to most plum tree diseases, and require little care. The trees are a lovely addition to the landscape, and the fruit has a variety of culinary applications. Plums are a deer’s favorite fruit, and having a plum tree ensures that the animals will come foraging on a regular basis.

How to Prevent Deer from Eating Plums?

Installing an 8-foot-tall fence around your garden or property is the greatest approach to keep deer away from your fruit trees. Mechanical deer repellents and deer-resistant plants are less effective alternatives. Because deer are legendary high jumpers, a fence should be at least eight feet high to be successful. Other methods to keep deer at bay include:

· Deer Resistant Garden Plants

In the same way that humans do, deer also begin each meal by smelling the food they’re about to consume. Plants that give off foul odors can deter animals from eating vegetables and crops that are surrounded by them. Deer are repelled by foliage with thorns, bristles, and other bothersome textures in addition to strong scents. Examples of these plants are:

  • Stachys
  • Alchemilla
  • Cardoon
  • Monarda

· Electric Fences

Electric fences are a lot less expensive than 8-foot high obstacles, which is unexpected. A single incident of a deer being electrocuted by the fences causes them to be leery of getting any closer to the fences in the future. There is no danger to animals from the electric current used in these fences. Rather than being frightened by fences, deer, pets, and other unfortunate creatures find them irritating.

It doesn’t take much area to set up these high-voltage wires, and they aren’t as distracting as a tall fence. Electric fences are ideal for securing remote or difficult-to-reach areas of your property because the posts may be readily relocated.

Electric fences can be powered entirely by solar panels if you’re like that sort of thing, but there are those who argue that it’s cheaper to just use a battery.

· Deer Repellents

Because of deer concerns, the commercial industry has created deer repellents that can be sprayed, hung from trees, or planted in the ground. In comparison to purchasing a long line of fences to surround your property, commercial sprays are much less expensive and more effective.

Companies that create deer repellant employ odor and taste as their primary weapons against the unwanted intruders. The spray contains additives to aid in its adhesion to plants, leaves, tree bark, and fruits, amongst other surfaces. When using a spray bottle, a frequent suggestion is to shake it to help activate any components that have settled to the bottom.

· Motion-Activated Sprinklers

To keep deer away from plums, sprinkler systems on timers or motion detectors are commonly utilised. Consider the Critter Ridder® Motion Activated Animal Repellent Sprinkler for a more sophisticated solution. Day or night, this sprinkler uses infrared technology to detect movement.

This handy device uses a burst of harmless water to startle animals and then plays a frightening sound to keep them away. As an added bonus, the Critter Ridder® works wonders in scaring away other pests like mice and rats. It’s flexible, simple to set up, and green.

· Wind Chimes

Deer will stay away from hostile territory. You can use this to your advantage. To make them believe the area is dangerous, try startling them. Wind chimes are a fantastic place to start because they generate noise unexpectedly. When hearing chimes frequently, deer may stop paying attention to them. The greatest way to keep deer guessing is to use metal and wood wind chimes. Wind chimes are an easy way to deal with your deer problem, but you shouldn’t rely on them completely.

· Electric Posts

Install electric posts that are painted brown and scented to smell like acorns to attract deer. A small shock occurs as soon as they make contact with the post. Hurting people isn’t enough. Rather, it frightens them away and makes them reluctant to return.

Depending on your needs, you can relocate these stakes about your yard. The long-life battery powers these lights, so you don’t have to worry about them being close to a power source. This makes them perfect for places like the back yard or the far corners of your property.

Final Thoughts

Deer love eating plums and they won’t leave the fruit alone unless you do something about it. If you want to get a good yield in the harvest, make sure to take proper precautions against deer that might try to invade your garden to take your precious plums away.

Use the strategies we have discussed above to keep the deer out of your garden. If one method doesn’t work, try another one until you are able to find the strategy that works best for you.

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