Keep Kangaroos Out of Your Garden: Tips and Tricks

Living in Australia, especially in suburban areas, means that you may have to deal with kangaroos wandering into your garden from time to time. While they may seem cute and harmless, they can actually cause significant damage to your plants and property. In this article, we'll provide you with some tips and tricks to keep kangaroos out of your garden.

Understanding Kangaroo Behavior

The first step in keeping kangaroos out of your garden is to understand their behavior. Kangaroos are primarily herbivores and will eat a variety of plants, including grass, flowers, and vegetables. They are also known to be attracted to water sources such as ponds or swimming pools. Kangaroos are most active at dawn and dusk, so these are the times when you'll most likely encounter them in your garden.

One thing to keep in mind is that kangaroos are wild animals and should not be approached or fed. Feeding them can lead to habituation, where they become reliant on humans for food and lose their natural fear, which can make them more dangerous.

Fencing

The most effective way to keep kangaroos out of your garden is by installing a fence around it. The fence should be at least 1.8 meters (6 feet) tall and made of sturdy materials such as metal or wood. It's important to bury the fence at least 30 centimeters (1 foot) underground to prevent kangaroos from digging underneath it. You can also install an electric fence or add a wire mesh to the top of the fence to make it harder for kangaroos to jump over.

A fenced garden with a kangaroo outside.

Plants

Kangaroos are attracted to certain types of plants, so it's best to avoid planting them in your garden. Some examples include succulents, roses, and fruit trees. Instead, opt for plants that kangaroos don't like, such as lavender, rosemary, and eucalyptus. You can also try planting prickly plants or using thorny branches to create a natural barrier around your garden.

Eucalyptus tree in the garden.

Repellents

Another option to keep kangaroos out of your garden is to use repellents. There are several types of repellents available, including sprays, granules, and electronic devices. Repellents work by emitting a scent or sound that kangaroos find unpleasant or threatening. However, it's important to note that repellents may not work for all kangaroos and may need to be reapplied regularly.

A repellent spray for keeping kangaroos away from plants.

Water Features

Kangaroos are attracted to water features such as ponds or swimming pools as they provide a source of drinking water. To keep them out of your garden, it's best to cover these features with a net or mesh. Alternatively, you can install motion-activated sprinklers that will deter kangaroos from coming near the water feature.

A swimming pool covered with a net to keep kangaroos away.

Kangaroos may be a common sight in Australia, but they can cause significant damage to your garden. By understanding their behavior and implementing some of the tips and tricks we've mentioned in this article, you can keep kangaroos out of your garden and protect your plants and property. Remember to always respect wild animals and avoid feeding or approaching them.

Lavender, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Prickly Plants