Which areas are most susceptible to severe deer damage on ornamentals?

Areas that are partially or totally surrounded by woods are particularly susceptible to severe deer damage on ornamentals for several reasons. Deer naturally inhabit wooded areas as they provide shelter, food sources, and cover from predators. When landscapes have significant wooded boundaries, it creates an ideal environment for deer to venture into adjoining gardens and landscapes seeking food.

In these settings, the proximity of ornamentals to the woods makes them easily accessible to deer. The lush foliage and tender new growth of ornamental plants are often attractive to deer, who will feed on them more voraciously when they are nearby. Furthermore, areas surrounded by woods may not have as much human activity, allowing deer to feel safe while foraging for food.

This ecological dynamics lead to increased deer activity in these regions, causing heightened risk and prevalence of damage to ornamental plants compared to other settings. Urban centers or open fields without vegetation provide less attraction for deer since they lack the food and cover deer prefer. Conversely, gardens close to water bodies may attract deer to some extent, but they are often less favored compared to wooded areas, which remain optimal habitats for deer.