Knowledgebase
transplanting day lilies #928355
Asked April 14, 2026, 11:37 AM EDT
Washington County Minnesota
Expert Response
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/white-tailed-deer-damage
Day lilies can be transplanted anytime. They are robust plants.
Deer are a challenge. The most effective protection for young trees is a fence that is 2 ft beyond the tips of the branches. Farm posts and wire mesh combined make a lower cost barrier that is effective.
Milorganite fertilizer has worked for some people to encourage deer to browse elsewhere. It is slow release so there is little danger of fertilizer burn.
Thank you so much for your good information. I find it difficult to conquer the diverse weather patterns and the wild animal visits! A very old cowbell does work somewhat in sending deer elsewhere and Deer Scram has been somewhat effective for us if sprinkled early in the spring. At one time I created heavy fishing line barriers between large trees but was unable to leave it up when we had to have some trees cut. I will now try Milorganite as well as wire ...am not so sure about farm posts! Our yard is very wooded and sloped upward away from White Bear lake across the street. I will allow the daylilies to grow as they respond to this peculiar spring. Again my sincere thanks. Karin
Critters and a changing climate have added many challenges to keeping a garden. I can relate!
