A Smart Solution for Homeowners Tired of Deer Damage
If you live in Pennsylvania, you already know how beautiful our landscapes can be and how quickly deer can undo all that hard work. Deer populations are high throughout the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas, and they often treat home gardens like an all-you-can-eat buffet. While no plant is 100% deer-proof, choosing deer-resistant plants can dramatically reduce damage and keep your landscape looking its best.
At Signature Landscape Design, we help homeowners create attractive, low-maintenance landscapes using plant selections that deer are far less likely to eat.
Deer tend to avoid plants with:
Strong scents
Fuzzy or leathery leaves
Bitter or toxic properties
When food is scarce, deer may sample almost anything, but these plants are typically lower on their list—especially when properly designed and grouped in your landscape.
These shrubs add structure and beauty while standing up well to deer pressure:
Boxwood – A classic evergreen that deer usually avoid
Inkberry Holly – Native, hardy, and great for foundation plantings
Mountain Laurel – Pennsylvania’s state flower and naturally deer resistant
Spirea – Offers seasonal color and texture
Reliable, colorful options that deer typically leave alone:
Lavender – Strong fragrance and drought tolerant
Salvia – Excellent for pollinators and deer resistant
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) – A tough native favorite
Yarrow – Low maintenance and great for sunny areas
Perfect for long-term landscape planning:
Eastern Red Cedar – Native and highly deer resistant
Japanese Maple (mature trees) – Less appealing once established
Spruce & Fir Trees – Generally avoided by deer
Deer typically ignore grasses, making them a smart choice:
Switchgrass
Feather Reed Grass
Blue Fescue
Even deer-resistant plants perform best when paired with smart design. At Signature Landscape Design, we:
Use plant layering to reduce visibility and access
Place high-risk plants closer to the home
Combine plant selection with hardscaping elements like retaining walls, walkways, and patios
This holistic approach helps protect your investment while enhancing curb appeal.
Whether you’re starting fresh or updating an existing landscape, choosing the right plants can save you time, money, and frustration. Our team designs landscapes that thrive in Pennsylvania’s climate while minimizing deer damage.
📍 Serving homeowners throughout the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas.
Contact Signature Landscape Design today to schedule a consultation and create a landscape that deer will pass by.
Give us a call at 610.923.5073, contact us or stop into our Easton showroom to see what we can create for you.
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