Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Not Tonight Deer

Deer looking towards camera while eating leaves

Had enough of the deer eating your landscape? Yes, we know they are cute and all but when they destroy thousands of dollars in plants overnight, they are a pest. 

The bottom line is that when the leaves fall off the trees, there is very little food left in the forest for our big-eared friends. All that is left are some evergreens, and your garden.

Deer are creatures of habit (aren’t we all). They like to follow the same paths and bed down in the same places. When food gets scarce in the woods, they like to find their food around those safe and desirable places. The best way to “train” them not to eat your plants is to make them think the plants are not the food they want.

Now is the optimal time to begin training them not to eat your landscape.

For this, we have been using a product called Scram (catchy, isn’t it?). Scram is an organic product (we like organic) comprised of a mixture of herbs and spices. Through their uncanny sense of smell, Scram convinces the deer that harm is nearby. Interestingly enough, it does not smell bad to humans. Scram does not harm children or pets and because it is organic, does not harm the environment.

Through our Deer DeFence program we apply Scram every thirty days or so around the plants that are at risk. This schedule has proven effective at keeping deer away from desirable plants and if started this fall, will protect your plants year round.

If you would like information on how we can help you protect your landscape investment, give us a call at 301-515-1900 or email at info@allentucklandscaping.com.

 

How Long Should Pressure Treated Timbers Last?

You’ve just invested in a new retaining wall, garden edging, or set of steps. It looks solid. Feels sturdy. And you’re thinking, this should last forever. But here’s the reality: even the best pressure treated timbers have a shelf life. The big question—how long should pressure treated timbers last—comes down to more than just the wood itself. Where you put it, how it’s installed, and how you care for it all make a huge difference. Some timbers can keep going

READ MORE »

Top August Garden Tips: Setting Yourself Up for a Brilliant Fall

Landscaping is a long game, and these top August garden tips are all about playing it smart. What you do now sets the stage for a healthier, better-looking yard this fall—and even next spring. If your landscape’s looking a little tired, we can help bring it back to life. We’ve been doing this for 35+ years and know how to turn late-summer blah into fall brilliance. 1. Refresh Mulch and Cut Back Overgrowth By August, mulch starts to fade, thin

READ MORE »

Vegetable Gardening at ALC HQ: Growing More Than Vegetables

Why the ALC HQ Garden Matters—For Us and Our Clients At Allentuck Landscaping Co., we talk a lot about Improving Lives Through Landscaping. But that doesn’t just happen out in the field or on a client’s property. Sometimes, it happens right here at our own headquarters—through vegetable gardening in the rows of peppers, tomatoes, squash, and greens we’ve got growing behind the shop. Yep, we’ve got a vegetable garden. And it’s not just for show. It’s for our team. And

READ MORE »

Patio Privacy Ideas That Actually Work

Tired of feeling like you’re on display every time you step outside? You’re not alone. Most suburban backyards weren’t exactly designed with privacy in mind. Whether it’s nosey neighbors, second-story windows peering down at you, or just the general lack of separation between homes, it’s hard to fully relax on your patio when you feel like you’re being watched. But good news—privacy doesn’t require a tall, ugly fence or a complete redesign. With a few smart moves, you can transform

READ MORE »

Drainage Problems: When To Call A Foundation Repair Company vs A Landscape Contractor

Water in the wrong place can quietly wreck your home. One day it’s just a soggy lawn. The next, you’re looking at cracks in your basement wall or a patio that’s sinking like quicksand. Here’s the thing: not all drainage problems are created equal—and neither are the pros who fix them. Knowing when to call a foundation repair company versus a landscape contractor can save you time, stress, and serious money. Let’s break down who does what, what to look

READ MORE »

How Wide Should A Front Walkway Be

A front walkway is one of those details that seems small—until it isn’t. Too narrow, and it feels awkward. Too wide, and it might look out of place. Just right? It feels welcoming. Comfortable. Easy. So, let’s answer the question that brings you here: how wide should a front walkway be? The answer depends on how you use it, what kind of impression you want to make, and how it fits into the style of your home. We’ve been designing

READ MORE »