Deer are a common sight in many gardens and landscapes, and while they may be aesthetically pleasing to some, they can also cause significant damage to plants. One question that often arises for gardeners is whether deer will eat fescue grass.
In this article, we will explore the diet of deer, the palatability of fescue grass to deer, and strategies for protecting fescue grass from deer damage.
The Diet of Deer
Deer are herbivores, which means that they primarily consume plant matter. Their diet varies depending on the season and the availability of different types of plants.
In general, deer prefer woody plants and forbs (non-woody flowering plants) to grasses. However, if these preferred food sources are scarce, deer will turn to grasses as a secondary food source.
Fescue Grass as a Food Source for Deer
Fescue grass (Festuca spp.) is a common lawn and pasture grass, known for its drought tolerance and ability to grow in a range of soil types. It is also widely used for erosion control on slopes and in other areas where soil stability is a concern.
While fescue grass is generally not a preferred food source for deer, there are a few factors that may make it more attractive to them. For example, if other preferred food sources are scarce, deer may turn to fescue grass as a source of nutrition.
Additionally, if fescue grass is the only green plant available in times of drought, deer may be more likely to consume it. Overgrazing of other plants in an area can also lead to increased feeding on fescue grass by deer.
Protecting Fescue Grass from Deer Damage
If you have a fescue grass lawn or pasture that is being damaged by deer, there are a few strategies you can use to deter them from eating the grass. These include:
Fencing:
Building a fence around your fescue grass can be an effective way to keep deer out. There are a variety of fence types to choose from, including mesh, wooden, and electric.
It is important to choose a fence type and height that is appropriate for the size and behavior of the deer in your area.
Deer repellents:
There are a number of commercial deer repellents available on the market that can be used to discourage deer from eating fescue grass. These products often use a combination of scents and flavors that are unpleasant to deer.
Plantings of deer-resistant species:
Another option is to incorporate plantings of deer-resistant species into your garden or landscape.
While no plant is completely deer-proof, some species are less palatable to deer and may be less likely to be damaged. Examples of deer-resistant plants include native shrubs, trees, and flowering plants.
It is important to note that it may be necessary to use a combination of these strategies for effective protection of your fescue grass from deer damage.
For example, fencing can be used to physically block deer from accessing the grass, while deer repellents can help to deter them from attempting to feed on it. Additionally, incorporating deer-resistant plants into your landscape can help to reduce the overall attractiveness of the area to deer.
Conclusion
In summary, deer are herbivorous animals that prefer woody plants and forbs to grasses, but will turn to grasses as a secondary food source if other options are scarce.
Fescue grass is generally not a preferred food source for deer, but may be more attractive to them in certain circumstances, such as drought or overgrazing of other plants.
To protect fescue grass from deer damage, gardeners can use a combination of strategies, such as fencing, deer repellents, and plantings of deer-resistant species.
It is important to remember that no single solution will work for every situation, and it may be necessary to experiment with different strategies to find the one that is most effective for your particular needs.
By taking the time to understand the feeding habits of deer and implementing appropriate prevention measures, you can help to keep your fescue grass looking its best.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of plants do deer prefer to eat?
Deer generally prefer woody plants and forbs to grasses. Some examples of plants that are often attractive to deer include shrubs, trees, flowers, and vegetables.
However, deer will eat a wide variety of plants if their preferred food sources are not available.
Will deer eat fescue grass if it is the only green plant available?
It is possible that deer may turn to fescue grass as a food source if it is the only green plant available, especially in times of drought. However, fescue grass is generally not a preferred food source for deer, so they are unlikely to eat it unless other options are scarce.
Can deer repellents be used to protect fescue grass from deer damage?
Yes, deer repellents can be an effective tool for deterring deer from eating fescue grass. These products use a combination of scents and flavors that are unpleasant to deer, and can be applied to the grass or to plants nearby to help deter deer from feeding on the grass.
Are there any plants that are completely deer-proof?
No plant is completely deer-proof, as deer will eat almost any type of plant if their preferred food sources are not available.
However, some plants are less attractive to deer and are therefore less likely to be damaged. These are known as deer-resistant plants.
How can I determine the best strategy for protecting my fescue grass from deer damage?
The best strategy for protecting your fescue grass from deer damage will depend on the specific needs of your garden or landscape. Factors to consider may include the type and size of deer in your area, the layout of your garden or landscape, and the resources you have available.
To determine the best approach, you may need to try a combination of strategies, such as fencing, deer repellents, and plantings of deer-resistant species. It may also be helpful to consult with a local gardening expert or extension service for guidance on the most effective methods for your particular situation.