Deer are naturally curious and are often drawn to yards that offer appealing food, shelter, or water sources. You might not realize it, but certain choices you make in your landscaping and yard care can quietly invite these animals to visit more often.
Understanding what attracts deer to your yard can help you manage their presence better and decide how to coexist or keep them away. From the types of plants you grow to how you handle water and salt, your yard can become a natural magnet for deer without you even noticing.
Leaving out corn or a salt lick
Leaving out corn or a salt lick can attract deer quickly to your yard. These items provide easy nutrients that deer find appealing.
However, this method tends to work only short term. After a while, deer may lose interest or only visit when the food is fresh.
You should also be mindful of local regulations, as feeding wildlife is not allowed everywhere.
Planting red clover in your yard
Planting red clover is a great way to attract deer to your yard. Deer enjoy grazing on its leaves and flowers, making it a reliable food source.
Red clover is a perennial, so once established, it comes back year after year. It prefers well-drained soil and benefits from planting in early fall or spring.
By adding red clover to your yard, you provide deer with nutritious forage that encourages regular visits.
Growing chicory around your property
You can plant chicory to create a natural food source that deer enjoy. It grows well in well-drained soil and can handle hot, dry conditions.
Chicory offers good nutrition and helps deer stay around your yard longer. Mixing it with clover enhances its attractiveness and provides variety.
Make sure to keep the area clear of competing weeds for the best growth. Regular watering during dry spells will help your chicory thrive.
Having fruit trees like apple or cherry
You might attract deer by planting fruit trees such as apple or cherry. These trees provide a tasty food source, especially when fruit falls to the ground. Deer are drawn to the sweet fruit, making your yard a frequent stop for them.
Besides food, fruit trees can offer cover, which deer find comforting. Just be aware, planting them near your yard edges can increase deer visits.
Keeping orchard grass in open areas
You can plant orchard grass in open spaces to provide a reliable food source for deer. This grass is tasty to them and helps encourage visits to your yard.
Let the orchard grass grow naturally without mowing it too short. Taller patches give deer a comfortable feeding spot while keeping the area appealing.
Providing a natural water source
You can attract deer by offering a reliable water source. They need water daily, especially during dry seasons.
Simple setups like a small pond, a kiddie pool, or a barrel lined with plastic can work well.
Make sure the water is clean and refreshed regularly. This keeps deer coming back to your yard safely.
Allowing lawn fungi to grow
You might not realize it, but lawn fungi can attract deer. Some types of mushrooms and fungi are edible or appealing to them.
If you have damp, shaded spots where fungi grow, deer may be drawn to those areas for a quick snack. Keeping your lawn dry and well-maintained can help limit fungi growth and reduce deer visits.
Planting soybeans or peas nearby
You can attract deer by planting soybeans or peas close to your yard. These crops are high in protein, making them a favorite food source. Deer often visit these areas for an easy meal.
Planting a small patch can encourage deer to stay nearby longer. Just be ready for regular visitors if you choose these plants!
Using deer scent or mock scrapes
You can attract deer by creating mock scrapes, which mimic natural deer scent-marking spots. Place them near trails or bedding areas where deer frequently pass.
Use deer scent carefully by applying it to branches or dirt in your mock scrape. Make the area large enough so deer notice it easily.
Always wash your hands and wear gloves to avoid human scent contamination. This helps keep your mock scrape more natural and inviting to deer.
Leaving shrubs and thick cover
If you leave dense shrubs and thick cover in your yard, you create a safe space for deer. They use these areas for shelter and protection from predators and harsh weather.
Keeping evergreen trees or bushes like pines or cedars helps deer feel secure, especially in colder months. This can make your yard more inviting to them.
Feeding oats and turnips seasonally
You can attract deer by planting oats and turnips at different times of the year. Oats do well in cooler seasons, providing nutrition when other plants fade.
Turnips work great in the late season as a food source that deer will seek out.
Rotating these crops keeps your yard inviting across multiple seasons without overusing one food source.
Not removing fallen nuts or acorns
If you leave fallen nuts or acorns in your yard, you’re creating a natural food source deer will appreciate. These tasty treats attract deer, especially in the fall and winter when other food is scarce.
By not cleaning up, you’re giving deer a reason to visit your property more often. This can help keep them nearby if you want to observe them or hunt safely.