Marauders came to my property while I was away!

[@david-oc1lm]

i also have the same paulownia tree. it's in Mongomery county, Pennsylvania. i planted it as a 6'' seedling 4 years ago. i need to prune it into a timber log. it's about 31' now and survives the winters. i enjoy your videos, your speech and mannerisms remind me of my late uncle Chester Appel, he was a Pennsylvania dutch speaker and had a accent when he spoke english.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks so much David. It sounds like you enjoyed your relationship with your Uncle Chester. Being born and raised in Canada I do have a slight accent I am told. Wow your paulownia tree sounds huge! This area with limited rainfall will not product a tree that huge that quickly. That said its such a joy to see them now almost as tall as I am and I planted them in Mid June.

[@judygill6286]

Wow awesome trees! Hope you had a wonderful vacation!cool deer,

[@jefflocke9029]

Don On the bird house, put a little stick right under the entrance to the house so they can land and stand on it to get in and out. Great video as always

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Jeff great suggestion but there is no perch there for a reason. This was a super windy day but normally the Ash-throated flycatcher adults grab he edge of the cavity I made with their nails and then slip easily in. If you put a little perch there predators literally wait and cling there trying to nail or pull out hapless youngsters. So its strategic on my part. Other bird nerds like me will share that opinion too. Thanks for watching so appreciate it!

[@JoeZyzyx]

I wonder if spreading shade Live Oaks, or Sand Oaks would grow there? Rebar comes in 10' lengths, not too expensive last time I bought some. Can drive into soil about 3' which puts top at 7'. Wrap some chicken wire around them, attach with baling wire (squirrels or rodents will chew through zipties, maybe deer too). That way the deer can only munch on the tips of branches which extend beyond the wire, hopefully. I was surprised deer came into my garden and chewed top of tomato plants above the 5' welded wire cages I had set around them, wired to a fence post each. Most of the tomatoes grew lower inside the cages, so didn't really hurt my harvest. Check my shade garden video, you only need 5 good hours sunlight each day to grow a lot. Deer didn't seem interested though in the cukes, zukes, egg plants, nor squash.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks for the great tips Joe.

[@davidkellogg2582]

You went to the arid desert and provided a water source and green food for the native animals. What did you expect would happen. There might be other water around right now but do you think the deer really care whos land the water is on. Water is water.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks for watching!

[@dawncornwall6268]

How about a concrete pond and some tree cages while they’re small? Love your place.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks for watching Dawn!

[@twyes269]

Besides the comment I made about the mule deer like your water, I think the mule deer like you too because they don't see you as a threat. Which is a good thing. Also I have two small parcels in Cochise county also. Bought them a long time ago and have not visited them.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks for watching the vid T Wyes and the affirming comments!

[@queenbmary1]

I live in Hereford and I just put wire cages around my little orchard of fruit trees until they are big enough that the dear can hurt them or the javelina. It's not ideal, but it works.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

I figure I need to do the same. Thanks so much for commenting!

[@rickshannon2044]

They're also tasty! Best loin cutlets, wonderful sausage, great stew, tamales, chili!

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Moose is actually my favorite. A Canadian thing perhaps? LOL.

[@marthaoliver1099]

I had 10 acres in Washington Statje & the game dept brought me blood meal to hang on garden fence to keep deer away . Hope this helps , I'm in Alaska & going nomadic next year .

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks Martha. Yeah Deer are like graceful goats. Pretty annoying.

[@gregoryjeffries8475]

You built it, they will come.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Yes indeed!

[@timothyallbritton1961]

Solar electric fence. You will need to run the ground wire just below the hot wire since the soil is so dry. One jolt will send them packing ;)

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks for the input Timothy!

[@judygiesbrecht1007]

Happy new year cousin Don! Here's to great things in store!

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks Judy! I am thinking its going to be an exciting year for you and Gord as well!

[@sgrvtl7183]

It's been about 6 months since you planted and I hope all the trees are doing well! I discovered your channel a few weeks ago January 2023. Thanks for sharing all your experiences. You are passing a lot of knowledge along to others, very thoughtful.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks so very much for your lovely comments and your interest in the channel. All the best!

[@charlesurrea1451]

I hear those solar electric fences work. Put stakes around an area and zap! Years ago you could buy used cat litter from the Tucson zoo. Tiger scent keeps everything away.

[@edlane1883]

Here in Texas that’s what I used to keep feral hogs out. Once their wet nose gets an electric shock they kept their distance. I’ve also seen the marketed as Fido shock to prevent a dog from digging under fences.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

I think tiger scent would keep me away! LOL. Thanks Charles.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Yep that would do it Ed!

[@regionalskygirl]

Hey neighbor! This video popped up in my feed and I was nervous when I saw your video title .... I however smiled when I saw who the intruders were. Lots to learn for your videos sooooooooo, you've got a #NewSubby

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Fantastic to have you here Region SkyGirl! Welcome! Oh and yeah glad it was just Mulies.

[@kerlyn3582]

Your should get a few Maringa trees, they are very water wise and you can eat just about every part of this very nutritional tree

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

They are super cool Ker Lyn. But cold sensitive and dont do well here at 4600' elevation. Thanks for watching!

[@gayleb9656]

We have wild horses and rabbits so we have to put wire around everything.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Wow wild horses as well! Thats pretty major stuff. Thanks for watching.

[@jamesmagee890]

Hi Don. You need a good electric fence. Connected too a battery. Take care UK James

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Yep some sort of fence for sure until the trees get too tall for the deer eh?

[@kathyreeves8853]

Algae in pond just get a piece of hose prime it syphon out bottom all algae gone works great. I have a big bird pond here.i counted over 100 on Sunday.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Wow thats a ton of birds Kathy! Great!

[@offgridhomesteadthemudpuddle]

Excellent, Excellent and excellent!.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

thank you so much Off grid mud puddle.

[@commonman7776]

well done thumbs up everyone

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks so much Tom! Always great to have you here.

[@jeffproctor1690]

You need to fence off those trees from deer for a couple years. Get some 2x4 mesh fence, 4 feet tall, and wire about a 4 foot wide circle of it. Place this around the trees and add a bunch of construction tape, foot long streamers off the top wires. Deer spook easy and will not get used to flapping ribbons of plastic consttuction tape. As far as the pond goes, all I can suggest is to drain it, chicken wire or dtucco screen the inside of it, then add a one inch layer of non shrinking hydrolic cement mix in the entire pond area with the eire suspended midway in it. On the top edge and rim you csn even inbed those perimeter rocks. I guess that you could do both projects for under $200 and the fixes would be prrmanent ones. The fence only needs there until trees mature a bit. To get enough foliage out of reach ofbthe deer.

[@lisad4054]

Say you can also use empty coffee cans and cut a hole in the lid. The birds love it on our barn. We also relocate rattlesnakes here. The javelina, and coyotes are a part of nature. I personally don't like to kill the wildlife here because of the circle of life. Just to let you know we may run out of water from the aquafer in about 40 years. Love your rain catching system. A few farmers here have pulled mesquite trees because of the root system taking more water from the Aquaphor. We have been pulling mesquite also. I have been in Hereford for 18 years in Cochise county for 38 years.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Great comments Lisa. Yep you have to work with local wildlife for sure. Going to expand on the rainwater harvesting hopefully ASAP in the future.

[@danielmorse4213]

Hungry and thirsty. I can't blame them. The mega drought has killed the oasis and springs have dried up. Leave out water for them. You will need to fence.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Hi Daniel. As mentioned in the vid the neighbors across the road leave out water for them. These are desert mammals so they are adept at doing really well with this habitat. We have had some great monsoon rains already so they can now chomp on lots of green stuff and drink until they make sloshing sounds. Thanks for watching!

[@latriciacagle4873]

I would suggest you consider Moringa trees. They are fast growing, although, growth slows a bit once temperatures drop below 80. They are drought tolerant once established. The leaves are edible and contain several nutrients.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

I have definitely thought of them but they cant handle our freezing periods in the winter.

[@latriciacagle4873]

@@affordabledesertliving3487 Actually they can survived more severe winters than where you are located. They go dormant. Most people in climates that experience freezes, cut them back and heavily mulch the soil to protect the roots. Once the weather warms up, they grow back quickly.

[@Shoalsdaddy1255]

I had two trees like yours. Palonni ? Your right they grow fast. Great soft fragrance in March. I'm in North Florida . If you cut a limb they have a hole in every branch and the trunk. I guess for a heavy supply of water. Here in a lush environment they are to invasive. That won't be so there. Also when it get below 32 degrees the seed pods. The size of pecans will Crack open. You can hear them 50 ft away.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Fantastic stuff Chuck. I LOVE the Paulownias and hope they do okay next year. The variety I have are the non invasive type. Plus this harsh soil is not conducive for them to spread anywhere. Thanks for watching.

[@wyomiles6580]

I have heard that fishing line freeks them out as they feel it but don't really see it. Also look up Bone sauce for deer !

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks for all the tips Wyomiles!

[@Jesus_Is_King_111]

You are the sweetest! I love that you planted a flowering tree in the desert. Such a nice and interesting man. Your episodes make me smile and feel content and safe.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks so much for watching Gee Dubya.

[@edwardmathews9546]

Thanks!

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Your so welcome Edward. Thanks for watching.

[@rnius]

Deer are animals that love a pattern or routine. Several times a year they will seek out new areas and set a new routine. If you make life a little difficult for them they will move on. Have what they want and you are the destination for their routine. Fences, netting and fireworks work some but deer can easily jump a 6ft fence and will tear apart light netting. That being said the real cure is a dog. getting chased once in a while is a strong message. There is no compromising with deer. Do a great job for 11 months then take a break and you can come home to your precious plants defoliated and bark stripped off. Just make life difficult for them, you will have some success and some not. Love your work, thank you

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks so much Rono! Great suggestions.

[@santiagosantiago6173]

hello . you can make wire network around the water store

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Good suggestion Santiago, but they could easily jump over that. I will figure it out.

[@lindacgrace2973]

Get a farm dog! He should be hardy and live in a dog house, unfettered and able to roam your property. Your guard dog will be a loyal companion, but should only come in as a special treat. If he sleeps in the house, he's useless on the land. Although most livestock guardian dog breeds will be able to adjust to hot climates, breeds with shorter coats or those that shed their winter undercoat efficiently do best. These breeds include the Akbash, Kangal, Anatolian Shepherd, Maremma, and Spanish Mastiff. I LOVE Paulonias, and thought I would have to give them up (I'm shopping for land up near Prescott, which is zone 7 and occasionally gets down to 0 degrees). I am thrilled I stumbled across your video. So, Thanks! Now I know that I can have my beloved Paulina trees. Best of luck in your war on the mule deer.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Hi Linda. Definitely not going to get a dog. Want to sleep in? Nope it has to be let out. Want to nap? its going to bark. Vet bills, etc. Also almost every neighbor has had their dog expire or be badly bitten by rattlesnakes. I will definitely find some sort of inventive way to keep the big ol Mule Deer off my trees though. So delighted that you love Paulownia trees as well. They are fantastic! If you get some make sure you obtain Paulownia arctica. Its a cold weather variety. That said I will have to wait until Spring to see if mine truly survived the winter. Thanks for coming by and watching the vids!

[@lindacgrace2973]

@@affordabledesertliving3487 I can't imagine living without a dog, but I understand they're not for everyone. One idea for your Paulownias - this seems incredibly cruel and is totally counter-intuitive, but hear me out. Chop them down to the ground this spring. No, really, saw them off at the trunk, removing all of the leaves. This advice also goes for Moringa, Leucana, and hybrid Willows. In all of these super fast-growing trees, their top growth exceeds their root growth and they actually slow down in the second year. When they are harshly pruned, they panic and begin re-growth with a much larger root system that is already adapted to the local soil. They take off like rockets! When I did this (with great trepidation) with my Paulownia in Texas, it grew 18 feet the year I pruned it, and the trunk was thick and strong and the tree was much happier than it would have been without pruning. Thanks for the tip about "arctica" variety - I hadn't realised there were two strains. So, I'll be sure to get the right one, since I'm going to be up in the gardening zone 7 hills (brief freezing temperatures and enough snow to "cool a Hobbit's toes") around Prescott. Good luck with your ventures. Hope your knee starts feeling better.

[@suzanneweitzel8969]

I have a 6 foot fence around my property. The deer have no problem hopping it. It's kinda neat to witness. If I were to grow anything again I would make the fence much higher around the plant and narrow-er. Stake it into the ground so they can't push it over. It looks like any critter can just pop It's head into your plant and taste it! Maybe consider a full sized cage around it. Maybe even a wired dog cage. I finally got hog panels and staked them into the ground and put the netting over it. Four years later I do have a Tombstone rose bush that that has survived and is providing shade. I also have dogs to annoy off the deer now. Suzanne 🤠

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Yep fencing will probably be the answer. Thanks Suzanne!

[@johnbonotto7637]

You got me on that one, glad it was just some troublesome wildlife 😎

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Yep me too John! Thanks for watching!

[@RVBadlands2015]

Put cages around all your trees. Love the birds. Where did you purchase the palonwonia.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Yep will have to protect them in some way for sure. I got the Paulownia on Ebay. Type in these words to find them. 5 Paulownia ARCTIC Plants, Shade Trees aka Princess Tree, Empress Tree

[@RVBadlands2015]

Thank you

[@scotteddy1468]

Dollar tree. Has cyane pepper sprinkle that around you fountain.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Hmm. interesting. Thanks for sharing Scott!

[@BuckJones1909]

Another greatly informative video. I’m finding myself taking notes as I was back in school! LOL Thanks again Don! Hope you are doing well and have a wonderful holiday season!

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Wow thats high praise. Thanks so much Don and hope you and your family have a great holiday as well!

[@BIRDLEGS828]

I haven’t tried this yet myself but I get deer in my garden and someone said to use cayenne pepper. You could sprinkle it on the rocks by your pond. But then again I love them and wouldn’t want to hurt them in any way. I can tell you have a heart for all wildlife and birds. I appreciate your kindness toward them.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks for your kind comments Margaret and for watching all of these vids.

[@HMSSfrigate12]

You are right about the trees coming back with vour after being trimmed

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Yep it will make them more lush and verdent.

[@artemisiagentileschi2400]

I'm rooting for the trees to take hold.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Me too Artemisia! LOL.

[@FloridaJack]

... and life goes on ... glad the birds are utilizing the nesting boxes you provided.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Yes loved having the Ash throated Flycatchers here this year.

[@drifter50038]

Not sure where you are in cochise, but Arizona is a "fence out" state. If the Deer don't wreck havoc on a homestead the cattle and Javalina will. Only viable solution is a perimeter fence to exclude those critters where you place lush vegetation in a desert.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks for the input Brian. Actually I have found an easy solution for the trees/shrubs based on my experience. Let the Mule deer munch away in the winter/late spring which is when this happened. Why? I found the result is vigorous growing trees during the monsoon season that more than make up for the areas that were eaten.

[@gudfarfar]

A good tall fence around the trees or the pond could be useful to deter those animals. Next project can be a carport with water collection tank to feed plants?

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

thanks for watching. Stay tuned more water collection projects in the works!

[@BrainStormAcres]

Hey Don - we’ve felt with MuleDeer here in our northern Arizona high desert homestead. Like your area, we have very little rain. The deer don’t come to our place for water, they are after our gardens. We have a 4’ field fence surrounding about half an acre. That didn’t slow them down. We added Tibetan pray flags 8-10’ above ground on PVC pipe stations wired to the t-posts. The combinations kept them out most of the time. Sadly a couple brave souls decided to jump between the fence and the flags and ate more plants. So we added a single strand of electric fence “tape” and charge it with a large animal fence charger. The tape is about 7’ outside the field fence. The combination relies on their limited binocular vision. Flags fluttering combined with depth perception discourages them from jumping. Lots of work and it looks ugly but it’s kept them out for two years now with terribly little natural food.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks for sharing your story about the deer BrainstormAcres. I will find a way to keep them at bay.

[@patblack2291]

I live in mule deer country. I've tried everything to keep the deer from eating my plantings. The only thing that worked was a single 8' high fence. You drive 10' t-posts into the ground and run a top and bottom wire for attaching black plastic mesh. Put white flag markers onto the fence between each pair of fence posts to signal to the deer that the fence is present. I now have a deer trail on the outside of the fence but no intrusions into the fenced area.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Wow 8' is a good size fence for sure!

[@queenbmary1]

I would love to get my hands on some of those trees. Where can I get some?

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

I got my Paulownia trees here Queenbmary1. So far they are thriving! I baby them a lot with water and love watching them grow! www.ebay.com/itm/115365904868?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908105057%26meid%3Dd352ec6b27e144b8ac9244e1cc2c70e4%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D15%26sd%3D225023727873%26itm%3D115365904868%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2380057&_trksid=p2380057.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%3A35afd41d-064c-11ed-89a4-aa5b5bc97915%7Cparentrq%3A0f6a24351820adb96e92cceeffec3134%7Ciid%3A1

[@carlosg1232]

A company called S Seldorauk sells a barking dog alarm. It's battery operated and has a motion sensor. I don't think the birds will activate it, it's made for human sized motion.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks Carlos G123. Who let the dog alarm out? Woof Woof.

[@jimandsniffers9408]

Help the deer build a water place for them they were there before you be the better man we are the stewards of this earth wrap fence around your plants God bless ✝️🇺🇲

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Jim as I mentioned in the video they have a watering trough at the neighbors 100 yards away. Yep fence is a good idea for sure.

[@thepecolaboy]

To help with algae in the pond, you could look into a Barley Ball, basically a hamster ball with barley that floats n as the barley breaks down being wet it fights the algae for you. 👍🏻

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Transplanted farm its kind of crazy but the pond doesnt really have algae bloom that is annoying at all. Just a slight green tinge to the color of the water but no clumps of algae which is great! I replace the water about 2x per year anyway.

[@Jaantoenen]

I suggest hyacinth plant and a pair of koy fish once the plant microclimate is established.

[@queenbmary1]

be careful if you put fish in your little pond we have koi and goldfish and my mother thought someone was stealing her fish, but it was a bird. she put a net over the whole pond.

[@thepecolaboy]

@@queenbmary1 I had to get a concrete blue heron $80 once i found a heron eating $300 worth of koi, worked like a champ, but dont being filling the pond n forget to shut water the off, it will purge all the oxygen out and suffocate your fish too!

[@queenbmary1]

@@thepecolaboy Thats exactly what was eating my mothers Koi. It was kinda funny because she starting accusing people of stealing her Koi until she actually saw the Heron.

[@kurtporter1323]

You have enough solar bank power to fence ur area with battery low shock strip fence. Works for horses.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

I like the idea Kurt but I am thinking they would just hop over.

[@AbidAli-bv2gl]

Great video, Excellent trees, it will not die in winter, you are good researcher

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

I try hard to do well in the research dept Abid. Thanks for watching as always!

[@HMSSfrigate12]

Hay Sparky, sorry to hear about the darn deer eating your trees.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks Dave. No worries though they are coming back with a vengeance.

[@peoriafan1]

Get some Bone Sauce from Billy at Perma Pastures Farms North Carolina.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Hmm interesting suggestion. Thanks for watching Johnny!

[@peoriafan1]

I heard many many channels say it really works.And he’s a great guy to boot.God Bless

[@kevinjohnson5354]

I had a landscape company and when we planted in subdivisions with lots of white tail deer we would spray the plants with a super hot hot sauce made specially for deer.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

That sounds effective for sure.

[@paleogeology9554]

So those deer ate your bushes drank your water, pissed and sh*t in your yard haha nice. Well they do make AWESOME backstrap steaks!!

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Paleo its tempting. The only thing I like better than deer steak is moose. Being a typical Canadian here LOL.

[@mr.waynes7555]

they, the mule deer may have water elsewhere, however, if they are in your yard, and you have water available, and you're not there to shooo them away, well all i can say is they were here first, and it takes some big fencing to keep them away properly....where i used to live, just below canada like close to the center of washington that is from east to west, but way north we had many apple trees which drew the deer, bears, moose in, but up there we just let them do what they do. your deer will be back now that they know you are growing food for them.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

I am pretty focused so I am sure I will come up with a solution to keep them wandering elsewhere. They have lots of water a short walk away. Yeah fencing for mule deer is a waste of time unless the fence is ginormously huge.

[@MikeWD9JJV]

Hide a couple game cams on your property to identify human vermin also.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

I already have one up and am doing another. Great suggestion.

[@Julia-Julia]

I was thinking to buy some land there too…

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Yes super thankful for this place.

[@carolynw3602]

very enjoyable video, you have such a positive and humble demeanor, you are such an inspiration! May god bless you in the name of Jesus

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thank you so much Carolyn and may God bless you as well!

[@joannehyduckhopkins6898]

An old rancher in the area told me that if you don't want unwanted nature on your property fence the areas you want to protect ...so I did. Caging your plants ,as you have done, works too.....until they start growing up. It's difficult to keep larger animals from eating the delectables! Good luck, Don! Love your experiences you share!

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks so much for watching JoAnne. I will probably fence in the trees until they get big enough to be too tall for the deer to reach. We shall see!

[@valerierogers9609]

Better 4-legged intruders than 2 legged human variety 🙂. Been looking a little at real estate in that area.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

I totally agree Valerie. Mule deer are welcome compared to "interesting" humans.

[@hazcat640]

A .243 works real well and puts meat in the freezer.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

I like that idea and I really enjoy venison but as mentioned the deer are so tame I wouldnt have the heart for it. Actually I have found they actually prune the trees and dont destroy them so now I have changed my mind and am okay with them munching. For now anyway... LOL.

[@kenuber4766]

Hummm, nothing better than Venison Jerky!

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

I grew up on venison and moose meat actually. But these guys are so tame I dont have the heart for it.

[@bobcole3852]

Fencing around baby trees, put out a metal wash tub of water for them. 10 feet of fence makes a 3' circle, might want to use 12 feet to make the circle a libit bigger

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks Bob. Yep fencing is the way to go.

[@emartinez6584]

cutout shapes of wolves or coyote`s near the water source , i even heard people go ask the zoo for some lion pee and stuff like that to spray around even wind rattles that vibrate in the wind sound like rattlesnake .

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

I was thinking of purchasing some of those artificial coyotes I have seen to keep geese out of areas.

[@r.johnson1010]

Well, you may think you own those 4 acres but I the wildlife owns the desert. I knew this would happen when you built that pond. :)

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

R. Johnson. Yep they are determined. But I am even more determined... the sage continues...

[@BIRDLEGS828]

Put a wire cage around your bushes and trees

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Yep got to do that for sure.

[@OffGridBasement]

Thank you so much for documenting your experiences! I love watching how you are progressing through your off grid living.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks so much for watching Off Grid Basement! So encouraging that folks watch these vids!

[@nettp7773]

Since the monsoon has started I hope it all grows back. You might need to put some fencing around it. I've had problems with javelina.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Yep Javelinas have been a problem in the past but seems like they have moved one. Yep fencing is a legit way to deal with it. Yes! Both trees are growing back nicely!

[@nettp7773]

Birds and rabbits ate ALL of my garden too. Replanted when it started raining. We'll see what happens this time. It have a fence. Hope I found the holes.

[@josephrogers5337]

In one movie someone use hair clippings from a barbershop and spread around the tree and that seemed to chase the deer off, I don't know if it is true but might be an idea. How is your water harvesting working out. Make a large porch on one side of shed/house will keep it cooler in the hot season and I nice place to Barbeque.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks Joseph. Water harvesting is going great! Needed no water purchase from last June to this past February. Will do more harvesting when I get more set up with more catchment.

[@anothergoogleuser]

...saw a humming bird come to your feedar at 1:56

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Good eye Tim!

[@ILGuy2012]

To protect smaller trees from whitetail deer, I bought a roll of welded 2x4 wire fencing to make round cages to put around the trees. It comes in various heights, but 5' or 6' tall works well to keep the deer from munching on the trees or using them to rub their antlers on. I use two T posts to hold the cages in place. The wire fencing I used is made by Mazel and Co. Looking forward to seeing the new trees getting established and growing taller.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Great info ILguy2012. Going to keep that in mind for sure.

[@twyes269]

Yea other water around but they like your water.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Yep I guess they like all the yummy green stuff in the yard. OH well I will sort itout.

[@nana_wwg1wga]

How awesome 😊😊 Don would you please tell me where to get the empresses trees … years ago we had a landscape business in Oregon and we used those trees but now very hard to find 😊😊 Thank you for sharing with us 🥰🥰 God Bless and Gods Speed 🙏🥰

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks Nana. Here you go: www.ebay.com/itm/115365904868?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2648

[@bondpaz]

Too bad about the trees. I know that feeling. Great news. We have a family in our birdhouse you gave us. It’s so cool. ❤️😊🥰

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Pam they are already leafing back out again thanks to our rains etc. Can you take a pic of the birds at the birdhouse? Would love to know what species. Even a distant pic I can blow up and take a look. Cheers!

[@bondpaz]

@@affordabledesertliving3487 They are very timid. It looks like the same kind that you have though ash throated flycatcher. I will try to get a picture if I can. ❤️😊

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

@@bondpaz The fact that they are timid is indicative of Ash throats. Dont worry about getting close. A far off pic is fine. I can tell often just by body shape what it is.

[@bondpaz]

@@affordabledesertliving3487 It’s an ash throat for sure. I can’t get a picture. They are so fast! Lol

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

@@bondpaz Thats super! Got to love a great little bird that eats annoying insects all day! Its so cool that I designed the bird box for that species and now you have them! The good thing is they will come back year after year!

[@suzanneweitzel8969]

I hope you have better luck than I did with the Polonia! I tried for three years to grow the beautiful Polonia here in Cochise County! But those spring winds were not user friendly. Maybe you can put up a wind break for the tree(s) and this might give it a better chance to establish a root system. My neighbor a mile away tried unsuccessfully also. Just to windy here. 🤷‍♀️ I do wish you much success though! Suzanne 🤠

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks Suzanne! I think if I do a wind break for them and also baby them they may make it. So far so good but they are only about 10" tall at the moment. Only been in the ground about 10 days.

[@candidegunn3624]

Where can I get some of those Empress trees? Do they come as seeds?

[@lanec5672]

I tried using different spray-on predator scent repellents, sonic deterrents, etc. all to no avail. They will keep working at it, likely ruining your protective wiring/fencing to get what they're after. The only thing that seemed to work much at all was running them off with a couple of shots from a hand-pump Crossman BB/pellet rifle stinging their dear little deer butts! But they would eventually come back.. If your neighbors regularly feed & water them, you'll likely never get rid of them, especially now that they've discovered your resources.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Yep but I still have some ideas Lane we shall see. I am a pretty stubborn focused homesteader guy.

[@sunriseskies3883]

Seriously, I worry about intruders living in the middle of nowhere…but glad to hear it was nothing unfortunate!!

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Overall its rare for our neighborhood to be bothered by anyone which is great.

[@dogcatparty7371]

See 'Heal the Planet with PONDS' by Andrew Millison. He has many tips on how to save money in dry areas using Permaculture (this has saved millions in India). Best Wishes to All June 25, 2022

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

That sounds excellent. Thanks!

[@MyMy-tv7fd]

mule deer are delicious, easy to take down with a crossbow, one nice buck could keep you in meat for weeks, just sayin

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

I grew up on venison and moose in NE Canada. But that be said I think I will spare these guys and just figure out a way to keep them at bay.

[@homersreluctantodyssey2508]

i use paulownia in my wood shop, it's one of my favorite woods to work with.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

I hear its soft and delightful to work with. Hoping mine do okay. Cautiously optimistic here.

[@Runningstart3000]

another fine video Don!!!! thank you for sharing about the new trees too, I am going to look into those! Good luck with the mule deer, I have them too !

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks so much for all of the encouraging comments Martha! Cheers!

[@ekbanjosworld4926]

Don, cool trees ! If you water them too much, will it cause them to form shallower root systems, harming them in the end ? Good luck with your deer ! Maybe get a dog ?

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Hi Ekbanjos world. I think here because the ground is so powder dry you literally cant over water. Dogs are way way too much trouble I find. Kind of like ending up adopting a child with fur. No thanks! LOL. I will find a solution to the deer. Tahnks!

[@kennhurt5636]

Where did you purchase them. Sounds just what I am wanting. Thanks Don for your information.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

www.ebay.com/itm/115365904868?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2648. Hope that helps Kenn.

[@timklassen421]

The tree farms up here are 8 feet high other than that there is hunting season any way a big dog might be what you need and it would be a great companion for you .

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks Tim. Not a big dog fan. Too much having a demanding child that alters your life. I will figure it out though. Thanks!

[@timklassen421]

@@affordabledesertliving3487 I totaly under stand

[@johnw.7584]

We have them here in eastern nv growing fast and now 11 feet tall in 3 years but i havewater by them flowing all year long

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Yes Its one of those things you have to be willing to do. Sacrifice water for the beauty of trees.

[@mountainloversoff-grid155]

I suggest a electric fence around your imediate living area or stronger wire and t posts around trees. John at frugaloffgrid did one and has worked out in apache county.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Yup at some point may have to do that. Gathering ideas as we speak.

[@ZombieGrandpa]

To combat deer, you need dogs. Fence off the areas you want to protect. That won't keep the deer out- they can bound an eight foot fence like jumping over the curb. But it will keep the dogs in. Adopt some desert dogs from the shelter. True, you have to feed them, but if you want to start a garden to live off the land, they will pay back far more than they cost. Provide a basic shelter, (mine stayed under the house,) and warmth in the winter and they will thrive. NOTE: You don't need to fence the whole property, just your growing and pond area. You won't keep out birds, rabbits, etc, but you will stop them from devouring your garden. I recommend at least two dogs. Not only will they alert you to any danger, they chase the rabbits off and even hunt mice for sport.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks for the indepth suggestion Jeff! I think I have a solution now. Cheers!

[@Strngbru]

Feed the deer some .243 Winchester and that will solve your problem with a bang!

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Yes, that would be one way to do that. But no shooting in residential areas here. Thanks so much for watching.

[@sewitaliano7423]

You live in the desert and put in a water feature-it will attract animals. Dedicate a water feature with your free water. BTW, will you have to paint the trunks of those trees to prevent them from getting sunburned?

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Fruit trees mandate being painted for sunburn but not these fortunately. Thanks for watching Sew Italiano.

[@dazie1357]

You might already know the gardener tip for helping baby trees grow deep root’s is the 1st year water them often & regularly like you said let them get established - healthy & happy in there new home THEN the 2nd year give them a ton of water all at once then no water for a while = unregular watering makes them go deep looking for moister left from the heavy over lode watering BASICALLY monsunes are helpful for growing deep roots system’s You picked a beautiful type of tree & sense they get so tall = you’re little house is going to be setting in Heaven on earth in just a few year’s

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks for the tips and wish me luck with the paulownia trees!

[@willoughby1888]

@@affordabledesertliving3487 Pretend like they're God's and you're just babysitting them for Him. My aquarium fish always broke my heart whenever one died, but I could only take so much so I gave all my stuff to God and just watch it for Him. He lets me use whatever I want and if something breaks that just means He didn't want it anymore. I live so tranquil now. Before I gave God what I had considered was mine, life was really starting to stress me out, man. Or you could just look for that 'luck' thing to happen and hope for the best. It's all about not stressing over mishaps and staying honestly content is how I'm seeing it. You make a good 'social doctor' by the way. You live and speak well to us, and that helps tired hard-working people. Disabled older people like myself too.

[@garegardner6782]

Interesting about the Empress tree, I like the idea of the fast rate of growth. It is beautiful and I'm sure very pleasingly fragrant. I am definitely looking into them more, sounds like I would like them. You should start a "Asian Garden Backyard" growing contest with your friends here to see who could develop the most lush "jungelly" garden in the most unlikely place.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

I love that idea gare gardner. I am all about "jungelly".

[@graemesaunderson4218]

Hi Don .I really hope that your plans for a personal forest come to fruition.It will be nice for you to have some natural shade for those hot days in the desert .ATB

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Wish me luck with this Graeme. I have never grown Paulownia trees before so I am cautiously optimistic. We shall see!

[@duchessduke7142]

What toots those deer are?!?! I can wait to see how your trees do. They look like they will be beautiful.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks Duchess! I am hoping they will turn out great too. Just have to work to make sure they are cared for.

[@mydailybread777]

I like your protective shaded fences. What I use to keep deer off of my fruit trees is small mesh bags of ivory soap. It works really well. They for some reason hate the smell of it. I learned this trick from my mennonite neighbors. They even shred or grate the soap and put it on the perimeter of their gardens so you could try that with your pond. I use net bags and cut bars into 3 pieces and the soap lasts a long time hanging from my trees. It works really well for me but maybe mule deer are different. Mine are whitetail. I live in Missouri.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

I am going to give this a try!

[@larryjanson4011]

get dogs. three or four of them. good sized like say rotts. and they tend to not bark much. not little fluffy breeds. but the smell of them works.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

I would rather have the marauding deer. They are quiet and dont keep me awake or demand to be let out at 4AM etc. etc. LOL.

[@fhuber7507]

To stop deer is very hard... Some have success with electric fence wire. One at 6 inches, then 24 then 48 on T posts with a 4th 9 inches up and 18 inches out from the line you don't want them to jump. Not the easiest to set up and then keeping weeds from shorting the wires to ground is a problem.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

I will figure it out. I am even more stubborn than mule deer LOL.

[@gregoryjeffries8475]

They left you some free fertilizer.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

They did indeed. grin.