Time remains to discourage deer, protect your outdoor pond and treat the gardeners on your holiday gift-giving list.
In just about every corner of Bucks County you’ll find native white tail deer.
Deer are active in the fall. They’re searching for mates and territory, and they are making ready for the coming cold and winter months.
If you have valuable plant material – including newly planted shrubs and tender young trees, they’ll be more at risk from deer damage than during many other times of the year.
As food becomes scarce, deer will be compelled to forage farther than they prefer. That means your landscape, garden and plantings may be an especially tempting and tasty treat at this time of year.
While various deterrent products may keep deer at bay – at least at first – Margaret Pickhoff, a commercial horticulture educator in the Bucks County office of Penn State Extension in Wrightstown Township said “exclusion” is the most reliable deer proof remedy.
Appropriate fencing may seem like a last resort, but it will be the best method to keep your plants and garden protected from famished deer.
Deer are good jumpers, so the fencing should be at least 76 inches, or a minimum of six feet tall. While adults will be able to jump such a fence they won’t do so lightly, because deer don’t like to be placed in a position without an easy way out.
“To make it harder for deer to browse on a particular plant – such as around your most vulnerable trees and shrubs [fencing just those plants] does work, and it’s worth it,” Pickhoff said.
This time of year deer can cause lasting damage to newly planted small trees, she said.
If fencing isn’t an option this year, Andrew Eckhoff, general manager at Bountiful Acres in Buckingham Township suggests various deterrent sprays and products, which might help keep deer away from newly planted material.
Keep in mind these products smell bad for a reason, and they must be applied and reapplied regularly for best results.
Outside ponds need winterizing, too.
Fish begin to move into dormancy and require less feeding, though it’s important to keep leaves and other debris out of the water.
“Keeping the pond clear of leaf debris helps the water and the fish,” Eckhoff said.
An aerator and de icer are good ways to ensure pond water remains healthy to the fish, and they have sufficient oxygen during the colder months, according to Hydrosphere Water Gardens, the Pond Experts.ca in Ontario, Canada.
Clean nets can help reduce leaf debris.
If you live near roosting and rookery sources of heron – and Great Blue Heron are frequently found near lakes and ponds in Bucks County – consider specialty pond netting.
Popular aquatic pond plants like water lettuce and hyacinth will die if left in cold and freezing water. Remove them before the pond environment becomes too cold. Decaying plant material could hurt fish.
For information about specific aquatic plants, check with local pond supply centers for information and guidance.
Whether you’re shopping to treat yourself or buying for your favorite gardener, Eckhoff has some gift ideas sure to please anyone who spends time working the soil.
• Pruners, shears and loppers. Inspect and clean your own now so they’re ready for spring. Any small trimming tools or digging tools, like hand trowels, make great gifts.
• Who doesn’t love a pretty – and hardworking – garden hat?
• Aprons, shovels and gloves are other welcome gifts for the gardener.
“You can never go wrong buying someone a birdbath because you can never have too many of those,” Eckhoff said.
Bird feeders are another great gift for the gardener and eco-aware property owner.
“Select something that will compliment your garden by adding wildlife to it,” Eckhoff said.
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