In Westchester, we gardeners have big competition from deer and woodchucks or groundhogs.
You are growing food and animals won’t be polite and admire your hard work from a distance when they can just as easily enjoy your crops when you aren’t looking. In Westchester, we gardeners have big competition from deer and woodchucks or groundhogs. We also have rabbits, voles and moles, squirrels, chipmunks and birds -- but usually they are a nuisance that can be put up with. Deer and groundhogs, on the other hand, will wipe out your entire crop in moments.  The best way to prevent them from entering your garden is with walls 2 feet deep and 6 feet tall.  This is often impractical, so fences are usually used, with an understanding that they will keep out the predators most of the time. Raised beds can be helpful in reducing the amount of wall that you need, since they are already partially walled off.