The presence of deer in residential areas often leads to a common question for homeowners: can the droppings they leave behind be repurposed as a natural fertilizer for the lawn? Deer scat, like all animal manure, contains organic material and beneficial nutrients, presenting a free and natural way to nourish turfgrass. However, using this natural deposit effectively and safely requires understanding its specific chemical makeup and the potential drawbacks of applying it directly to a manicured lawn. Analyzing the properties of deer droppings helps clarify whether this common occurrence is a useful resource or simply a nuisance.
Nutritional Profile of Deer Scat
Deer are herbivores, meaning their droppings are fundamentally similar in composition to the manure produced by sheep or rabbits, being rich in organic matter. The exact nutrient content, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), depends significantly on the deer’s diet, with animals feeding on rich suburban vegetation producing more nutrient-dense waste. Deer scat is often characterized as a mild, slow-release fertilizer, generally possessing a lower concentration of nutrients than commercial synthetic products.
This lower concentration means the nutrients become available to the grass slowly as the material decomposes, reducing the risk of chemically overwhelming or “burning” the turf. The high organic content also improves the soil’s structure by enhancing aeration and water retention capacity. Additionally, the droppings provide a food source for beneficial soil microorganisms, supporting the biological activity necessary for healthy grass growth.
Impact on Lawn Health and Spread
The natural, pelleted form of deer scat contributes to its slow-release fertilization effect, a desirable trait for lawn health. This contrasts with the immediate, high-concentration delivery of many chemical fertilizers. When the pellets are scattered, they gradually break down, feeding the soil and turf roots without causing the nitrogen overload that can scorch grass blades. This physical structure makes deer droppings less likely to cause a visible burn compared to concentrated deposits of liquid waste or the high salt content of some synthetic products.
Despite the nutritional benefits, leaving clumps of scat undisturbed on the lawn creates several problems for turf uniformity and health. Large piles of droppings can physically smother the grass beneath, blocking sunlight and impeding air circulation, which leads to localized patches of stunted or dead turf. Furthermore, the droppings frequently contain undigested weed seeds, which can be introduced directly into the lawn environment, leading to unwanted plant growth. A more serious concern is the potential presence of pathogens, such as E. coli O157:H7, known to be carried in deer feces. Any raw manure deposit carries a biological risk, particularly in areas where children or pets play.
Safe Management and Preparation for Use
For homeowners who wish to utilize the nutrient value of deer droppings, the most recommended approach involves composting the material before broad application to the lawn. Composting is a thermophilic process that uses heat to neutralize potential hazards, effectively eliminating weed seeds and significantly reducing harmful pathogens like E. coli. This process requires mixing the raw scat, which is a nitrogen-rich “green” material, with carbon-rich “brown” sources like dried leaves or wood chips.
To ensure proper sanitization, the compost pile must reach and maintain an internal temperature of at least 130 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit for multiple days. The pile must be turned frequently to ensure all material is exposed to the heat. If collecting large amounts of scat for composting is impractical, the simplest management strategy is to disperse droppings already on the lawn with a rake. Spreading the pellets widely breaks up concentrated piles and allows the nutrients to diffuse across a larger area, mitigating the risk of grass burn and smothering. When handling raw droppings, wearing protective gloves and thoroughly washing hands and tools afterward is a necessary safety precaution.