Wild animals can significantly impact gardens, often causing damage that can be frustrating for gardeners. Here are some ways wild animals can destroy a garden, along with tips for prevention and protection:
Eating Plants and Vegetables:

    Deer: Deer are known for eating a wide variety of plants, including flowers, shrubs, and vegetables. They can strip foliage, nibble on tender shoots, and cause significant damage overnight.
    Rabbits: Rabbits can decimate vegetable gardens by eating leafy greens, root vegetables, and young plants.
    Squirrels: Squirrels dig up bulbs, eat fruits and nuts, and can damage plants by gnawing on stems and branches.
    Rodents (Mice and Rats): Rodents can eat seeds, roots, and young plants. They can also burrow and disturb the soil structure.

Trampling and Digging:

    Wild Boars: Wild boars can root and dig in search of food, causing extensive damage to the garden bed, uprooting plants, and creating holes.
    Dogs and Cats: Domestic pets, if allowed to roam freely, can trample plants, dig up flower beds, and use garden areas as litter boxes

Burrowing and Nesting:

    Moles and Voles: These animals create tunnels and burrows that can disrupt root systems and undermine plant stability.
    Groundhogs: Groundhogs (or woodchucks) dig large burrows, often under garden structures, which can collapse plant beds and damage roots.

Birds:

    Birds: While birds can be beneficial, some species can be destructive by eating seeds, fruits, and young seedlings. Crows and pigeons are particularly known for this behavior.

Insects and Pests:

    Insects (Deer Flies, Aphids, Beetles): While technically not animals, insects can cause significant damage by eating leaves, stems, and fruits. They can also transmit diseases to plants.

Preventive Measures and Protection:

    Fencing:
        Deer Fencing: Install a tall fence (at least 8 feet) around your garden to keep deer out.
        Rabbit Fencing: Use wire mesh with small openings to prevent rabbits from entering.
        Burrow Prevention: Bury the fence a few inches underground to deter burrowing animals.

    Netting and Covers:
        Bird Netting: Cover fruit trees and berry bushes with netting to protect them from birds.
        Row Covers: Use lightweight fabric row covers to protect vegetables from insects and small animals.

    Repellents:
        Scent Repellents: Use commercial or homemade repellents that deter animals with strong smells (e.g., garlic, hot pepper, or predator urine).
        Taste Repellents: Apply taste repellents to plants to make them unpalatable to animals.

    Scare Tactics:
        Motion-Activated Sprinklers: Install motion-activated sprinklers that spray water when animals approach.
        Noise Makers: Use wind chimes, ultrasonic repellents, or other noise-making devices to scare away animals.

    Habitat Modification:
        Remove Food Sources: Clean up fallen fruits and vegetables, secure compost bins, and store pet food indoors.
        Eliminate Shelter: Remove brush piles, tall grass, and other potential hiding spots for animals.

    Plant Selection:
        Resistant Plants: Choose plants that are less appealing to wildlife. For example, deer-resistant plants include lavender, marigolds, and foxglove.
        Companion Planting: Plant deterrent plants alongside vulnerable plants. For instance, marigolds can deter rabbits and insects.

    Physical Barriers:
        Raised Beds: Use raised beds to make it harder for animals to reach plants.
        Wire Mesh: Place wire mesh around the base of plants or trees to protect them from gnawing animals.

Example Plan for Protecting a Garden:

1. Fencing:

    Install a 6-foot tall wire fence with an additional buried portion to prevent both deer and burrowing animals.

2. Netting:

    Cover berry bushes and fruit trees with bird netting during the fruiting season.

3. Repellents:

    Spray plants with a mixture of water, garlic, and hot pepper weekly to deter deer and rabbits.

4. Scare Tactics:

    Set up motion-activated sprinklers around the garden perimeter.

5. Plant Selection:

    Incorporate deer-resistant plants like lavender and marigolds in the garden design.

6. Physical Barriers:

    Use raised beds for vegetables and install wire mesh around the base of young trees to protect against rodents and rabbits.

By understanding the types of wildlife that pose a threat to your garden and implementing a combination of these preventive measures, you can effectively protect your plants and enjoy a thriving, beautiful garden.