Foxes are a familiar sight in our gardens – but their visits can sometimes leave flower beds looking worse for wear. Freshly planted borders and disturbed soil can all be the result of a curious fox digging around.
‘Foxes are common visitors, particularly at night,’ explains Robert Bowden, garden expert and chairman of Chic Teak. ‘During warmer weather, dry soil can make them more likely to dig in search of insects or simply to create cool resting spots.’
Below, we share simple ways you can help stop foxes digging up your flower beds, without causing them harm.
1. Change your fertiliser
While fertilisers are an important part of keeping plants healthy, some varieties can be particularly tempting to foxes.
‘Foxes may try digging up your garden beds if they can smell fish or bonemeal fertilisers, or they may be hunting for grubs,’ explains Richard Barker, horticultural expert and commercial director of LBS Horticulture.
Blood, fish and bonemeal fertilisers can have a strong scent that may mimic rotting food to a fox, encouraging them to investigate freshly treated soil. Instead, switch to plant-based fertilisers instead – particularly if you notice foxes repeatedly digging in areas where these products have been used.
2. Remove food temptations
Foxes are opportunistic feeders, so keeping your garden free from anything that could provide an easy meal is one of the simplest ways to discourage them from investigating your flower beds.
‘They are more likely to dig in flower beds if the soil is soft or if they can smell food underneath,’ says Loren Taylor, garden expert and owner of Soothing Company. ‘Remove any fallen fruit, pet food, bird food, or open rubbish bags.’
It’s also essential to make sure compost bins have secure lids, to never leave pet food outdoors overnight, and to clear away fallen fruit as soon as possible. Keeping your garden tidy can help reduce the smells that encourage foxes to explore.
3. Protect soil with chicken wire
Freshly dug soil is particularly easy for foxes to disturb, making newly planted borders a common target. One of the most effective ways to protect them is to create a physical barrier beneath the surface.
‘Installing a physical barrier, such as chicken wire, just under the top of the soil can stop foxes digging,’ Richard explains. ‘Plants can grow through the chicken wire, but foxes will find it harder to dig the soil.’
For particularly vulnerable areas, lightweight garden mesh can also be placed over the surface until plants become established. Any exposed gaps in the soil can also be covered with a layer of gravel to make digging more difficult.
4. Make the ground less inviting
If foxes are repeatedly returning to the same border, changing the texture of the soil could make it less appealing.
‘Small stones, bark, or rough mulch can also make the ground less inviting,’ suggests Loren.
As well as protecting the soil, these materials can give flower beds a neater, more finished look while making it harder for foxes to dig. If you choose to mulch, make sure it's suitable for the plants in your border and avoid piling it directly against stems, as this can encourage rot.
5. Try motion-activated deterrents
For persistent visitors, a motion-activated sprinkler can provide a harmless way to discourage foxes from returning, startling them with a burst of water whenever they enter the garden.
‘Foxes do not like sudden movement or water,’ Loren explains. ‘A motion-activated sprinkler can be very effective because it gives them a harmless surprise.’
Motion-activated lights can also help discourage nighttime visits. Place them near areas where foxes have been digging, rather than lighting up the whole garden. Moving them every so often can also help, preventing foxes from becoming used to their position.
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The Garden Edit
