Deer are the most complained about wild animal by home gardeners; and it's no wonder why. Throughout the year, whitetails seem to make themselves at home in home gardens and continue to browse. So rude. Home gardeners want to know "does the madness ever end?"

The short, sad answer, is no. Deer damage in gardens is a year-round problem; but it does have a year-round solution. Deer browsing may be slow in winter, as natural resources are scarce, but it will build momentum in spring through summer as plant growth is abundant. In the fall, deer will damage trees and eat the bark, twigs and leaves.

What to do, what to do...how about installing a deer fence around gardens? Deer fencing is the most effective means for deer management and will need to be at least 7.5' feet tall to block deer traffic. If home gardeners continue to allow deer onto properties, they will continue to see deer damage to plants grown for family members - not Bambi. They may also see an increase in deer ticks in yards.

Being proactive in developing a deer management plan is key to keeping out deer year-round from gardens. It starts with building a deer fence - perfect for DIY'ers.