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White-tailed deer can consume or crush plants and may also damage any plastic mulch covering beds. Deer damage is easily identified by tracks on the ground or through the plastic. Deer feeding appears as rough cuts on plant tissue. 

Deer damage to plastic mulch.

(Photo: Matthew Springer, University of Kentucky)

Deer damage to plants.

(Photo: Matthew Springer, University of Kentucky)

Management:

• Install fencing for the most effective means of limiting deer damage. Fencing should be either 8 feet high or electric.
• If severe problems persist, contact a local Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources private lands biologist to obtain nuisance permits.

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