Question
1. Birds have been scratching around in my mulch around my azalea bushes (Baltimore, MD) and scattering it all over my driveway. What are some things I Can put down to keep them out - both natural (cayenne pepper?) or something from Home Depot?  
2.  What are some ways to keep deer away from some newly planted trees (West Virginia)- natural and store bought?

Thank you.

Answer
Hi Carolyn

1. The birds think there is food... bugs or seeds etc.  About all I can think of is a fake snake might discourage them. pieses of old garden hose here and there.  Consider finding out what they are scratching for and eliminating that.  Birds might be a subject better suited for another expert.

2.  About deer I am an expert.  You can make cages for each tree with fencing made into cylinders 3-4 diameter and 4-6 feet tall.  That might be best if its just a few trees and the deer are not a problem otherwise.  Paint the fence black or a surrounding color to be non-obvious.  If you have many trees to protect, I make and sell electronic deer deterrents that work very well. They do not work for birds however. Here is my web site.  You can ask further here or my email is at the web site.

http://www.freewebs.com/walnut_creek_enterprises/

Dan