Foxes can be a real nuisance for bowling greens, particularly when they dig up the turf or leave unsightly messes behind. While foxes are generally harmless, their digging and scavenging behaviours can cause significant damage to your bowling green making it both difficult to maintain and less aesthetically pleasing. They could well be after leatherjackets in your green (otherwise known as chafer grubs) so getting rid of these would go a long way to solving your problems!
See our blog here on sweating out leatherjackets
Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to deter foxes and fix any damage they may have caused.
Foxes are naturally drawn to areas that offer food sources, shelter and suitable digging opportunities. A well-maintained bowling green provides both soft, undisturbed soil for digging and an abundance of insects, worms, leatherjackets (chafer grubs) or other small creatures that foxes like to hunt. Additionally, if your bowling green is in a quiet or secluded area, it may be a perfect spot for foxes to forage and find shelter.
How to Deter Foxes from Your Bowling Green
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Secure the Perimeter
The first step in keeping foxes away is to prevent them from entering the bowling green in the first place. Fencing can be a highly effective deterrent, but it’s important to choose the right type of fence. Opt for a high, sturdy fence that is at least 1.2 meters tall. Foxes are excellent climbers, so a fence with a slanted or overhanging top can prevent them from scaling it. Make sure to bury the bottom of the fence at least 30 cm underground to stop them from digging underneath. -
Use Fox Repellents
There are several types of fox repellents available, including sprays, granules, and ultrasonic devices. Many of these products work by using the scent or sound of predators (such as dogs) to scare foxes away. Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sounds that foxes find unpleasant, while scent-based repellents often use strong odours like garlic, chilli, or predator urine to discourage foxes from entering your property. Just be sure to reapply these products regularly, especially after rain. -
Remove Attractants
Foxes are less likely to linger in areas where food is scarce. Keep your bowling green clean and ensure there’s no food left out that might attract foxes, such as food waste, bird seed, or pet food. If you have rubbish bins near the green, make sure they have secure lids to prevent scavenging. Additionally, trimming back any dense shrubs or bushes around the area can eliminate potential hiding spots and nesting areas for foxes. -
Install Motion-Activated Lights or Sprinklers
Foxes are nocturnal creatures and tend to come out at night. Installing motion-activated lights can startle them and discourage them from entering the area. Similarly, motion-activated sprinklers that spray water when movement is detected can be an effective way to deter foxes without harming them. -
Use Natural Deterrents
There are also a number of natural deterrents you can try. Foxes dislike strong-smelling plants like lavender, lemon balm, or peppermint. Planting these around the edges of your bowling green can help keep foxes away. You can also sprinkle citrus peel or coffee grounds in areas where foxes are likely to enter. These smells are unpleasant to them and may encourage them to find a new spot. - Get rid of leatherjackets! See the blog here! The foxes are most certainly after these in your green!!
How to Repair Damage Caused by Foxes
Even with the best preventative measures, foxes can still occasionally cause damage to your bowling green. If this happens, here’s how to repair the damage and restore the turf to its original state.
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Assess the Damage
Before beginning repairs, take the time to evaluate the extent of the damage. Foxes typically dig small holes or create large patches where they’ve scratched or burrowed. These holes can be as deep as several inches, and the turf may be torn or displaced. Identifying the extent of the damage will help you determine the best repair method. -
Rake and Remove Debris
Start by raking the damaged area to remove any loose turf, soil, or debris. If the turf has been ripped up, set it aside so it can be re-laid later if possible. Clearing the area will give you a clean surface to work with when repairing the lawn. Check for signs of leatherjackets. -
Repair the Holes
If the damage consists of holes, fill them in with a mixture of loose topsoil and grass seed- the same seed as you used on your green. You can also add compost to enrich the soil and encourage growth. Once the hole is filled, gently press the soil down to level it with the surrounding turf. Sprinkle grass seed evenly over the top and lightly rake it to ensure the seeds are covered with a thin layer of soil. Water the area well to keep the soil moist and help the grass establish itself. -
Reseed Damaged Patches
For areas where the turf has been torn up, you may need to reseed. Remove any damaged grass and smooth the soil beneath. If the soil looks compacted, you can aerate it slightly with a garden fork to improve water and air penetration. Spread a high-quality grass seed mix that matches your existing turf and lightly rake to cover the seeds. Water the area and keep it well-watered until the grass has grown. -
Fertilise and Maintain
Once repairs are complete, fertilise the area to encourage strong root growth. Continue to water the repaired sections regularly especially if the weather is dry. In the long term, regular maintenance such as mowing, watering, and aerating will help keep your bowling green in top condition and prevent future damage from foxes or other animals. Don't seed if there is cold weather around/frost- Soil temperature needs to be around 10c for seed to grow. You can use the Allett soil probe to test soil temperature.