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Q: |
We have voles
and have used many products trying to get rid of them. Is there something
that has been proven successful in killing or chasing away voles? I'm
about to give up and let them eat everything.-thanks- M. N., Dillon, 9/9/09 |
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A: |
Voles can be a
challenge. Please see this article for ways to manage them:
www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/natres/06507.html. |
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Q: |
Is there something I can put on
my plants (geraniums) to keep the deer from eating them? K. C.,
Colorado Springs, 5/12/09 |
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A: |
There are sprays you can buy to
keep deer away form plants (deer repellents). These are available at
garden centers, Home Depot and Lowe's usually. You can also make a
homemade spray from eggs using 80% water and 20% egg.
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Q: |
What is the best way to repair
damage to Aspen tree bark from deer? I have quite a few deer, and they
will damage the bark with their horns and/or by eating the bark off the
tree. M. P., La Pine, OR; 12/4/08 |
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A: |
There really is no way to
repair deer damage to the trees. The trees' damaged areas will callous
over by themselves. You can try to prevent damage by wrapping the
trunks with chicken wire or tubes. Also, there are fairly effective
repellents.
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Q: |
I live in Aurora and have a
side yard that stays wet. Some of the area is full sun, but most if it
is full shade (about 3-4 hours of sun/day). We also have a lot of
rabbits in our neighborhood. Currently, there is moss growing
throughout the area. I am looking for some ideas of more appealing
perennial plants for the area that might not interest the rabbits.
H. F., Aurora, 10/30/08 |
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A: |
Some perennials for shady,
moist sites that may be rabbit resistant include Columbine (Aquilegia),
Hosta and Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis). Some perennials for
sunny, moist sites that may be rabbit resistant are Bee Balm (Monarda
fistulosa), New England Aster and New York Aster.
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Q: |
What flower plants will not be
eaten by deer? What flower plants will not be eaten by squirrels?
T. K., Larkspur, 5/30/08
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A: |
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Q: |
Hi! I was wondering if you
have any suggestions on how to protect my raised vegetable beds from
deer. I live in Buena Vista, CO, and can't seem to find an effective and
affordable solution. S. S., Buena Vista, 4/10/08 |
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A: |
Fabric row covers or mesh netting
supported by hoops may protect the vegetable beds from deer. |
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Q: |
I have several large perennial
gardens that are infested with voles. As my property is a ranch in Larkspur,
there are thousands of vole mounds all over the hayfields. Is there any way
to control them in the gardens? K. S., Larkspur, 3/8/08 |
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A: |
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Q: |
I love hummingbirds and see
them often in the mountains. I live in Aurora, CO, and would like to
attract them to my backyard. I already planted a lot of Hummingbird
Flowers and put a feeder out. So far no hummingbirds. Could it be that
they do not come to the city? S. S., Aurora, 8/6/07 |
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A: |
Some types of hummingbirds do come
to cities. Plant shrubs, annuals and perennials with red, orange and pink
flowers to attract them. Try hanging a flowering plant near the feeder.
Adding a red ribbon to the feeder may also help. |
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Q: |
I am looking to plant a row of
Manhattan Euonymus and wanted to be sure that it was safe for my pet.
I've seen some labels suggesting that they were poisonous. Should I look
into another shrub? L. M., New Hyde Park, NY; 5/9/07 |
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A: |
Several websites I consulted
listed Euonymus as toxic to pets. I suggest you use another shrub.
You can find lists of toxic and non-toxic
plants at
www.aspca.org.
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Q: |
What are some plants and shrubs
the deer are not likely to eat? P. F., Boulder, 4/16/07 |
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A: |
For information on deer resistant
plants please see
www.coopext.colostate.edu/gilpin/critterresistantplants.shtml. |
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Q: |
Is there any good (inexpensive)
way to keep the elk from munching on the young aspen trees? D. N.,
Evergreen, 9/9/06 |
|
A: |
You can encircle young aspen trees with
net-wire fencing to protect them from elk. Repellent sprays may provide
some protection, but they must be re-applied after rain and hungry elk may
nibble away in spite of it. A homemade spray you can try consists of one
part chicken eggs plus four parts water. Like commercial repellents it will
need to be re-applied and may or may not work. |
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Q: |
We live in Roxborough Village,
south of Waterton Canyon in Douglas County. Our house sits next to open
space backing up to the hogback so wildlife and nature are abundant.
We've noticed quite a few dragonflies swarming around the house in the
backyard, dozens of them and wondered what would cause so many to
swarm. Any ideas? M. A., Littleton, 7/21/06 |
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A: |
Dragonflies often gather in groups to hunt
for food, especially when it is abundant. |
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Q: |
I live in Manitou Springs
which has a lot of deer. What annuals are resistant to deer that can
tolerate the afternoon sun? C. F., Manitou Springs, 5/6/06 |
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A: |
Annuals that have a strong odor,
ones that are prickly or sticky, and ones that are toxic are most
likely to be avoided by deer. Of course if the deer are hungry
enough they'll eat most anything. The following are options:
Ageratum, Sweet Alyssum, Cosmos, Marguerite Daisy, Marigold,
Nicotiana, Verbena and Zinnia.
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Q: |
I just got a Great Dane puppy
and I'm worried about some of the flowers in the back yard. Are Hyacinth
Delft flowers poisonous??? He's like my child and I want to protect him from
whatever I can. Thank you. A., Framingham, MA; 4/11/06 |
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A: |
Yes, hyacinth can be toxic.
For more information on poisonous plants and non-poisonous plants for
pets, please see the the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals website at
http://www.aspca.org/. Click on Pet Care. Click on Animal Poison
Control Center. Click on Toxic Plants (scroll down below the letters of
the alphabet - those links aren't working). Also, you may want to see
the list of non-toxic plants. |
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Q: |
I want to attract rabbits to
my back yard. I have a corner of my yard that I'd like to turn into a
warren. What should I plant to give them a safe enough feeling to want
to live there? J. S., Kokomo, IN; 4/10/06 |
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A: |
To attract wildlife to your yard you
should provide a source of food, water and shelter for them.
Dense-growing shrubs that provide shelter or a brush pile where they can
hide may attract rabbits. They like to eat plants such as clover,
grass, pansies, asters and hostas. |
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Q: |
The following is a tip from a
visitor to the Colorado Gardening website for gardeners who are dealing
with hungry rabbits: |
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A: |
Hi, I wanted to share a safe
humane way to keep rabbits away from flower beds.
After trying everything from hot wax pepper spray to fox urine, I've
finally hit upon an idea that truly works.
Pinwheels!
So far I've been able to keep my tulips free from nibbles by "planting"
pinwheels among the new growth!
K. W., Littleton, 3/2/06 |
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Q: |
We are moving to Ridgway, CO next Spring. I am a true
gardener and spend many hours in my gardens here in Michigan. Ridgway
and adjoining neighboring cities have many Mule Deer. They are wonderful
animals to enjoy, however, I wish to have flowers and shrubs that they do
not like to eat. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thank you. S. K.,
Coldwater, MI; 8/31/05 |
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A: |
There are several ways to deter
deer. Plant selection is
important. Deer tend to avoid
plants with strong odors, a bitter
taste or hairy leaves. Lists of
deer resistant plants can be found
at
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/.
Click on "Natural Resources," then
on "Managing Conflicts with
Wildlife." Sprays such as Hot Sauce
and Bobbex Deer Repellent provide
some protection. Fencing, netting
and tubing can also be helpful. |
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Q: |
How do I protect my yard from
rabbits? What plants don't rabbits like? What should I put on or
around the plants I have?? J. M., Centennial, 4/17/05 |
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A: |
Protecting your yard from rabbits
can be a challenge because they eat almost anything when they're
hungry. Plants with a strong odor may deter them. Also, there are
sprays to help prevent rabbits from eating plants. I don't know how
effective they are. One such spray is Bobbex-R. For a
list of plants usually not eaten by rabbits please see
http://www.highcountrygardens.com/. Enter "rabbits"
in the Quick Search box and click on "Articles." |
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Q: |
It was Saturday before our snow
storm and between my feet I look down and what do I see but a small (baby)
snake. It was April 9th. Is this a prelude to what is to come
with the snakes in my gardens? Is there anything I can do to deter
them from my gardens? Yes, I know they are good for the gardens but
not for my HEART!! M. Y., Littleton, 4/11/05 |
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A: |
Depending on where you live,
you can expect to see snakes in Colorado. The good news is
that out of more than twenty snakes found here, only two are
poisonous. (They both have rattles.) To deter snakes from
your garden try to limit places where they take shelter or
rest. Trim tall grass, clear tall weeds and brush, get rid
of rock piles and stacks of firewood, prune dense bushes,
etc. Also, limit their food supply -- mainly insects and
rodents. Keep in mind that pet food and bird feeders
attract rodents. If you feed pets outside, pick up pet
dishes as soon as the pets finish eating. Use bird feeders
only during cold weather when they have trouble finding
food. Unfortunately, at this time chemical deterrents have
not proven effective, so there is no magic spray to keep
them out of your garden. Good luck! |
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Q:
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We live in an apartment complex
and our neighbors have a dog. It didn't bother us until she started pooping
in our flower garden. I have heard of a plant or flower that is used as an
animal repellent. Where can I find this? Your answer will be very much
appreciated. G. F., Ontario, CA; 10/25/04
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| A:
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I am not familiar
with any plants or flowers that keep dogs out of flower beds.
However, there are sprays available at garden centers or on the
web that are dog and cat repellents.
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Q:
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Hello. We are near Monument, CO,
at 7300 ft. We have a beautiful 2 year old aspen that appears to have
been attacked by voles. The bark has been cleanly removed from the
ground up about 6 inches. Can it be saved? Also, how can we
protect our other aspens from this type of damage? We prefer not to
use any sort of chemicals in our yard because we have a vegetable garden and
we have 2 small children. We also have neighbor children who wander into our
yard. Thank you! T. P., Monument, 8/16/04
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| A:
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You can prevent voles
from damaging tree trunks by surrounding the trunks with a barrier
such as 1/4 inch mesh hardware cloth or 3 inch diameter plastic
mesh cylinders. The barrier should extend four or five inches
into the ground and be about 18" - 24" tall.
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Q:
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I have a cabin in Estes Park,
CO. The aspen on my property are dying because the elk are nibbling
them down to death. I know that I can put chicken wire around them,
but that is so unsightly and will have to be there forever. Are there
any other alternatives? Are the wraps that go around tree trunks
effective for something like this? Thank you . Cindy, Denver, 8/20/03
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| A:
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Unfortunately a wire cage of some
sort is probably the best protection for the aspen trees. There are
repellent sprays available such as Big Game Repellent and Hot Sauce, but
they require frequent, repeated applications. Tree wrap used to
protect trunks from sunscald would provide no protection. Tubes made
from drain pipe might provide limited protection to trunks but are just as
unsightly as the wire. Good luck! I know dealing with deer and
elk presents a huge challenge.
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Q:
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My husband and I live along the Wasatch front in Springville, UT. We
have just planted a young Quaking Aspen in our front yard... and we have
Cats. Several.
One of them appears to have taken a shine to the tree and started using it
as a scratching post. I was wondering if there is any type of
product we can wrap around the bottom of the tree to protect the trunk
from this damage until it gets old enough to fend for itself? I would appreciate any help. Your Q&A on Aspens was very
helpful. Thanks for putting the information out there. H. S.,
Springville, UT; 6/6/03
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| A:
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Home improvement stores and garden centers often sell plastic tubes that
are split along one side that can be placed on tree trunks to protect
them. The tubes are about two or three feet high. You can create your
own with a piece of drainage pipe or other flexible tubing. It
should fit loosely around the trunk so it doesn't restrict growth or
damage the tree. Remove it after a few weeks and see if the cats
leave the tree alone. Put it back on if necessary. Also, there
are sprays to keep pets away from plants which you might try. Good
luck!
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Q:
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I have heard if you use coco mulch it
repels most cats from digging in
the garden. Unfortunately for my cat, he likes it; so I have had to resort to
the cayenne pepper.
My mom tried it for herself and her cat won't go near it. I just wanted to
share. T. T., Palo Cedro, CA; 4/23/03
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| A:
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Thanks for sharing. People who are having problems with cats digging
in the garden might want to try using coco mulch to see if it works for
them.
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Q:
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Can any type of frogs live in a Colorado Springs pond and be purchased
somewhere? T. G., Colorado Springs, 1/12/03
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| A:
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Unfortunately, I am not familiar with the type of frogs that would be
suitable for ponds in Colorado Springs. I suggest you contact local
pet stores that have aquarium supplies to see if they have tadpoles or
frogs that can live outdoors in your area. I did read that frogs are
more likely to stay in a pond if they are introduced to it while tadpoles,
so you may want to buy tadpoles. Another possible source of
information is the Colorado Water Garden Society. Their website
address is
www.colowatergardensociety.org. (You will find contact
information there.) Also, on my Colorado Gardening website I have a
list of garden clubs (see the menu). Many of those listed are
located in Colorado Springs. Perhaps you can contact some of them to
see if anyone can be of assistance.
Follow-up response sent a month later:
While I was looking up some information in the "Boulder County Nature
Almanac," I ran across a section that discussed frogs.
According to the article, striped chorus frogs, which are sometimes called
bubble-gum frogs, inhabit ponds and other wet areas from the plains to the
high mountains. They are only one inch long. Another frog, the
northern leopard frog, also inhabits marshes and ponds from the plains to
the high mountains. Unfortunately, there was no information on where
to buy them for home ponds.
Response from T. G.:
Thank you so very much for keeping me in mind. I kindly appreciate
your graciousness. I hope to do some research on the net to see if I
can purchase some tadpoles of the varieties you suggested. I also
found out and corroborated with the pond specialist at C&S Sand Co. of
C/S that they will carry tadpoles starting in May. Unfortunately he
was unable to inform me of the species they will carry . If you wish
I'll keep you in the loop of my progress for your future knowledge and to
share with
your readers.............Until then.
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|
Q:
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I'm writing from Phoenix, AZ,
and I found your site on Google. There
are several feral cats in my neighborhood that jump my block brick
fence
and dig in a couple of my flower boxes and my garden. I have
completely covered and enclosed my garden with a couple types of
bird
netting and it works. For some reason the same type of covering in
my
window boxes doesn't do the trick. Commercial spray doesn't last but
12
to 24 hours. Is there any kind of herb mixture or something
else
natural that I could sprinkle or work into the soil to keep them out?
We have many birds that visit out back yard and I don't want to use
anything that would harm them. R. G., Phoenix, AZ; 12/1/02
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| A:
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Some people have luck keeping
cats away by spreading cayenne pepper in flower beds. Something else
that you might try is spreading sharp objects on top of the soil.
Short pieces of stems that have thorns (cut up rose canes, for example),
pine needles, and sharp gravel may work. Good luck.
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Q:
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Somebody gave me some red foil, and
it is in a roll just like tape. I was wondering if you guys know where I
may buy some online? Please help me because it really helps keep
away the deer and elk from our yard. Thanks very much. B. L.,
Kittredge, 9/1/02
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| A:
|
I have had no luck finding red foil
tape/ribbon. I will notify you if I locate it. There is
another product you might want to try called "Irri-tape."
It is a silver iridescent holographic ribbon that reflects various colors
in sunlight. It was designed to scare away birds. You can find
it on-line by doing a search for it by name. It is made by Bird-X,
Inc. One disadvantage is that it is fairly expensive. You can
get it in 5 feet lengths or larger rolls. Good luck keeping the deer
and elk away from your yard. They can be quite difficult to deal
with.
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Q:
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My aunt's house is becoming overrun with moths, inside and out.
She lives in Colorado Springs. Can you give me an idea of what might
be causing this problem and how she can eliminate them? It's getting
impossible for her just to even sleep at night. D. C., Westminster, 6/7/02
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| A:
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The moths are probably Miller moths, a
common nuisance in May and June in Colorado. These moths begin life
in eastern Colorado where the larvae feed on wheat, corn and other
crops. As the weather warms up they migrate to the mountains,
passing through the Front Range. While a nuisance, they do not chew
holes in wool or cause damage in the home as other moths do.
Miller moths are attracted to light. By reducing indoor and
outdoor lighting you can reduce the number of these uninvited
guests. Be sure windows have screens that are in good condition to
prevent entry. Do not leave doors open if there is no screen
door. Once they get inside the house, use a fly swatter or vacuum
cleaner to get rid of them. Another little trick is to place a bowl
or bucket of soapy water right beneath a lamp. Moths will be
attracted by the light and get trapped in the water. The good news
is they will soon be gone as they continue their trek to the mountains.
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Q:
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My mother moved to Genesee (foothills off of 70) recently from Virginia
and is very much missing her garden. Everything she has planted has
been eaten by the hordes of elk and mule deer that roam the development.
Do you have any suggestions as to what plants might work? We were
going to buy here some plants for her birthday and help plant them, but
not if they will just get eaten again. I was thinking of echinacea,
black-eyed susan, lavender, larkspur, mariposa lily, etc. Thanks for
your help. M. J., Golden, 5/29/02
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| A:
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Lavender, Larkspur, Mariposa Lily,
Echinacea and Black-eyed Susan are good choices. Other perennials
identified as rarely browsed by deer and elk include Blanket Flower
(Gaillardia), Coreopsis, Bearded Iris, and Russian Sage. Keep in
mind that hungry deer and elk will eat most anything. Also, young
plants are at greater risk. Sprays are available at garden centers
to use on plants to deter deer and elk from eating them.
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Q:
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Hi, I am from Georgia. Our problem is a woodpecker has done
extensive damage under the roofline around our house. Is there
anything you suggest that we can do to stop this damage. The bird is
beautiful but he is ruining our house. Please help. Thanks, L.
H., Jesup, GA, 5/25/02
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| A:
|
The only information I have on
preventing woodpecker damage is a fact sheet that is available on the
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension website. Please
follow these steps to reach it.
Go to
www.ext.colostate.edu.
Enter 6.516 in the Search box. |
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Q:
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I have a family member that recently
moved to Estes Park, Co. There is plenty of space for gardening on her
property but there is also plenty of elk feeding on this property.
Could you give me some recommendations on types of plants that the elk and
deer aren't interested in (if there are any)? Thanks a lot. S.,
Colorado Springs, 5/5/02
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| A:
|
Dealing with elk and deer is really a
challenge. There are some websites with information on this topic that
I'd like to refer you to. Please check out www.colostate.edu/Depts/CoopExt/wildlife.
In the box with the heading "Solving Conflicts" click on the topic
"Deer". Then, click on "Deer Resistant Plants."
You might also find the topic "Repellants," found in this same
menu, helpful. Another site with a list of deer resistant plants is
www.highcountrygardens.com. Click on "Garden Tips" then on
the article "Deer Resistant Plants."
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Q:
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I have quite a problem with bunnies
eating my flower beds. Would you advise on some colorful, short, all summer
blooming flowers like marigolds to plant, which do not appeal to rabbits.
Thank you. A. H., Lima, OH; 5/3/02
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| A:
|
In addition to Marigolds (Tagetes), you
might try using Dwarf Zinnias or Blanket Flower (Gaillardia).
Unfortunately, the only list I have of rabbit resistant plants does not
include annuals. For a list of perennials please see the High Country
Gardens website at www.highcountrygardens.com. Click on "Garden
Tips" and then on the article "Rabbit Resistant Plants."
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Q:
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I live in Roxborough Park and have a
deer problem. What are some trees and shrubs the deer won't eat?
What about crabapples? Thanks. P. W., Littleton, 4/29/02
|
| A:
|
I have compiled a list from various
resources of trees, shrubs and flowers that tend to be deer resistant.
Unfortunately, there are no guarantees that the deer won't decide to eat
these. Fencing, barriers, and the use of repellants (readily available
at garden centers) might be helpful, especially when plants are young.
TREES:
Colorado Spruce
Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)
Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos)
Pinyon Pine (Pinus edulis)
Rocky Mtn. Maple (Acer glabrum)
SHRUBS:
Common Juniper ( Juniperus communis)
Golden Currant ((Ribes aureum)
Grape Holly (Mahonia)
Leadplant (Amorpha canescens)
Ninebark (Physocarpus monogynus)
Potentilla (Potentilla fruticosa)
Pyracantha
Winged Euonymus (Euonymus alata)
FLOWERS:
Lavender (Lavandula)
Peony (Paeonia)
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum)
Snow-in-Summer (Cerastium tomentosum)
Thyme (Thymus)
For another list of plants, please visit the website of High Country
Gardens at www.highcountrygardens.com. Click on "Garden
Tips," then on the article "Deer Resistant Plants."
Deer love apples. Therefore, crabapple trees would not be a
good choice.
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|
Q:
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My neighbor's dog has an
affinity for one of my Evergreen shrubs. It is turning yellow from the
dog urinating on it. Since my neighbor won't do anything, what can I
do? I happen to love dogs, but not my neighbor. It has been an issue
for 2 years. B. W., Denver, 4/2/02
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| A:
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Water is the best thing to use to
correct damage done to plants and lawns by dog urine. Hose off the
plant using plenty of water to leach the salts and other chemicals out of
the soil. Repeat this periodically. Also, you may want to
purchase one of the dog repellants available at garden centers to spray on
the plant. Generally, repeated applications of a repellant are
necessary
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|
Q:
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Could you please list some
annuals and perennials that bunnies won't eat? For example, I know
they eat petunias, but what about geraniums? I need some color in my
yard but the bunnies are unstoppable!! M. K., Greenwood Village,
4/2/02
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| A:
|
High Country Gardens has published
an article on its website listing plants that rabbits tend to avoid eating.
Please go to
www.highcountrygardens.com,
click on "Garden Tips," then scroll down to the article
"Rabbit Resistant Plants." Hopefully you will have success
with some of the plants in the list. Unfortunately, there are no
guarantees that the rabbits will always leave them alone!
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|
Q:
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I live in a heavily wooded area of
Cambria California. I filled my new
flower boxes (on my 3rd level balcony) with various flowers yesterday and
today when I came home some critter had been digging in the dirt. They
didn't appear to have eaten the flowers, just dug around in the dirt and
made a mess. It looks like there are small holes in the soil. Do
you think
the squirrels were burying their seeds and acorns in the containers?
If so
what can I do to discourage squirrels. I also have very large blue
jays and
many woodpeckers around the house. Could they have been responsible?
M. S., Cambria, CA; 9/25/01
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| A:
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Either birds or squirrels could
have been responsible for digging in the dirt, especially this time of year
when they are hiding food for winter. There is fine netting available
at garden centers that you might use to protect the flowers. It is
often used to protect vegetables and fruit. Because the netting is
less than attractive, you might try using sharp gravel as mulch over the
exposed soil. Strips of chicken wire or other types of wire spread
over exposed soil might also be a deterrent.
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Q:
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A porcupine has eaten all the buds from my
rose bushes. Any ideas? C. O., Steamboat Springs, 6/19/01
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| A:
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You might try the repellant "Deer
Off." It is labeled for use to protect plants from a number of
animals in addition to deer. Hopefully, it will be effective with the
porcupine.
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|
Q:
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I live on 10 acres on the Colorado
plains. I have recently been inundated with what I call pocket
gophers. Is there any way short of poisoning them I can get rid of
them? They are burrowing around my trees and have uprooted and killed
a number of them. A.M., Colorado Springs, 5/7/01
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Unfortunately, there are few steps one
can take to control damage from pocket gophers. Trapping is considered
highly efficient. Poison baits also work, but one runs the risk that
pets and other animals may be poisoned -- either by eating the bait or
eating the poisoned gopher. When planting new trees you can line the
sides and bottom of the hole with mesh hardware cloth. I wish you
luck.
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Q:
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My name is Allana and I am
from New Jersey. I am contacting you in hopes that you can help me
out. I have a deer problem. I fill my flower beds -- they
empty them that night. Do you know of anything that I can do to keep
them away without harming them? If so, I thank you very much for
your help. If not, thanks for trying. A. M., Jackson, N.J., 4/30/01
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Deer are a big problem for
gardeners in many areas of Colorado. I respond to similar questions
frequently! Please look at my Questions and Answers page on pests.
Scroll down and you will find a list of deer-resistant plants.
Planting flowers and shrubs that deer don't particularly like will
help. Unfortunately, what deer ignore on one occasion they devour on
others.
There are repellents you can use, but frequent applications
are necessary. A spray of 20% whole eggs and 80% water is often
effective. Or you might try "Hot Sauce" (6.2% hot sauce),
"Deer Away", or "Big Game Repellent". Also,
netting and tubing placed on plants can help. Good luck! Deer
are a real challenge, and there are no sure solutions.
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Q:
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I live in Littleton, and I
have a terrible bunny problem. They are eating my tulips. I
have tried fox urine and a topical spray, but it needs to be reapplied
every time it rains. HELP!! Nothing seems to work. L. P.,
Littleton, 4/1/01
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Bunnies can indeed be a problem
for gardeners, and unfortunately, controls are extremely limited. Whitney
Cranshaw, author of "Pests of the West," suggests the use of
cultural controls such as removing brush piles or other protective cover
where rabbits hide and nest. Provide open areas in the landscape --
rabbits tend to avoid open spaces that make them vulnerable to predators.
Chicken wire fencing and flexible netting work for vegetable
gardens, but I doubt that you want to put it around your tulips! Many
odor repellents are ineffective with rabbits, so read labels carefully
before buying them. Repellents containing thiram work, but should be
used with caution because they are toxic to mammals, including humans.
As a result, thiram products shouldn't be used at all on food crops.
Tulips were at the top of the list of plants most frequently damaged
by rabbits. Maybe you should consider planting daffodils next year!
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Q:
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I
am interested in knowing what plants, shrubs, trees, etc. are deer
resistant in Loveland, CO. F. S., Loveland, 1/6/01 |
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I have
gathered a list of trees, shrubs and flowers that tend to be deer
resistant. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees that the deer
won't decide to eat these. Fencing and the use of repellants might
be helpful, especially when plants are young.
TREES:
Colorado Spruce Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)
Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos)
Pinyon Pine (Pinus edulis)
Rocky Mtn. Maple (Acer glabrum)
SHRUBS:
Common Juniper ( Juniperus communis) Golden
Currant ((Ribes aureum) Grape Holly (Mahonia)
Leadplant (Amorpha canescens)
Ninebark (Physocarpus monogynus)
Potentilla (Potentilla fruticosa)
Pyracantha Winged Euonymus
(Euonymus alata)
FLOWERS:
Lavender (Lavandula) Peony (Paeonia)
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum)
Snow-in-Summer (Cerastium tomentosum)
Thyme (Thymus)
Deer are a major problem for gardeners in the mountains and foothills.
Local garden centers, your county office of CSU Cooperative Extension and
the city may have materials that would be useful in planning your garden. |
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Q:
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What can I do about nuisance
cats that tear-up and defecate in my gardens? I have tried several
"cat-be-gone" products, i.e., sprays and granules. Also, a
"home remedy" made with onion, jalepeno pepper and
cayenne. None are really successful. They may work for a day
or two, then the cats are back. Please help! C. J.,
Lakewood, 9/3/00 |
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Keeping cats out of one's
garden is a real challenge. As you have discovered, commercial
repellants and home remedies are useful, but must be applied frequently.
To keep cats from digging in the soil, you might try placing a layer of
wire fencing (chicken wire) over the soil and then cover it with a thin
layer of mulch to hide it. If you don't want to use wire, you might
consider adding sharp items such as stems with thorns and pine needles to
the mulch. |
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Q:
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I am wondering if you have any great suggestions on
how to keep the elk out of my garden. I live in Evergreen so the elk
are around quite frequently. I've heard that chicken feathers will
do the trick. What do you think? S. J., Evergreen, 8/21/00 |
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You can try to deter elk
by using Big Game Repellant, Hot Sauce, Thiram, Hinder, or other
products sold commercially. Home remedies include mesh bags of
human hair hung on trees or the use of a spray made from eggs (20% egg,
80% water). I don't have any information about the use of chicken
feathers, but it sounds like it might be worth a try since chicken egg
spray sometimes is effective.
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Q:
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What is the
ratio for the mixture of baby shampoo and hydrogen peroxide solution used
for dog urine spots in your lawn? I saw it on TV from John Cretti
but I can't find where I wrote it down? JC, Evergreen, 7/2/00
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A:
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I checked John Cretti's website
for the information you requested. He recommends using a hose end
sprayer. Use 1/2 cup baby shampoo and 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide per 10
gallons of water. He suggests that you hand aerate the spots and
then wet the area thoroughly with the shampoo/peroxide solution.
The Planttalk Colorado recording on dog
spots claims that the only remedy is to wet the area heavily with water
to wash away the concentrated salts in dog urine. They also
suggest that you try to train the dog to urinate in one specific
area of the yard where there is no grass.
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