by Jacquline Singer

Created on: August 27, 2009

There is a simple solution to keeping deer away from your fruit trees. It is found in every home. It is used by everyone in one form or another. It is relatively inexpensive. The last drop is probably better than the first, because it has the essence of human all over it.

What is this magical ingredient you ask? Soap, Deer hate the smell of soap. It doesn't really matter what brand, but scented deodorant bars work best. The stronger the scent, the better. The soap trick not only works for your fruit trees, it works with small shrubs like azaleas and flowerbeds also. Grate a small amount along the borders of your flower beds to keep down traffic from your furry friends. Repeat as needed.

Whether you take slices from a fresh bar or the last soap slivers from the tub or shower, place them in cheese cloth or a knee high and tie from a low hanging branch in the problem tree. Make sure it is low enough for the deer to get a good whiff as they approach the tree. They will steer clear of the tree or trees. The soap will gradually dissolve and will need to be replaced, but it is an inexpensive way to save your fruit trees.

There are certain plants that deer find offensive. With a little planning, you can plant a variety of plants beneath your fruit trees in early spring. Later while you are enjoying the daffodils, garlic and four o'clocks, they are working hard to keep the deer at bay.

Actually, the list of plants that deer won't bother is quite long. HGTV.com has an extensive list in their article, "Deer-Proofing Your Garden." Every gardener should be able to find a few of their favorites on the list. Make nature work for you, not against you.

Another simple way to keep deer out of your fruit trees is to hang three or four compact discs from fishing twine in the branches. Allow enough room for them to move freely. When the slightest breeze touches them, they will spin causing a flash and startling the animal. However, over a long period of time, animals will become accustomed to things like that and they will become less skittish.

All of these ideas are safe, practical, and environmentally friendly. If all else fails, you can always install an eight foot fence as a last resort.

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