Can Landscaping Choices Help Prevent Goose Infestations?

May 13, 2025

Landscape Modifications to Prevent Goose Infestations

Geese thrive in open grassy areas that surround peaceful bodies of water. We often see geese moving onto golf courses, parks, recreation areas, and near similar man-made bodies of water. Geese typically prefer land that is easily accessible from water, giving them a quick exit in the event they run into a predator. Private properties, campuses, and golf courses all typically have well-manicured lawns, which are very welcoming to geese, and often meet many of their criteria for nesting. Dense, natural barriers are great deterrents to stop Canada geese from feeling welcome on your property

By planting borders around nearby bodies of water, geese will struggle to exit the water onto your property and are more likely to choose a path with fewer obstacles. Landscaping with taller, thicker vegetation will make a natural fence to block out Canada geese. One can do a handful of landscaping modifications to reduce the chance that geese will nest on your property, which works great in tandem with a professional goose control service. To learn more about goose control and how to protect your space from these invasive birds, continue reading below.

Landscaping Fences Around Bodies of Water

While it may not seem like the most effective method to deter Canada geese from loitering on your property, installing landscaping fences may discourage them from exploring further. By interrupting the most straightforward path a bird would take, you are creating a mental block. Canada geese are very stubborn, and if they’re not able to easily exit the water onto your lawn, they may instead swim elsewhere. Even if they land on your property, geese may not find it suitable if there is a barrier between your lawn and a lake or pond.

If you don’t want to obstruct your view or are concerned about an eyesore of a barrier, you can always install a smaller, less noticeable fence. A goose barrier only needs to be tall enough to stop the birds from walking out of the water. At just a couple of feet, a fence can be hidden behind vegetation or other forms of landscaping. These goose barriers can be made from low-profile materials like wire to make them blend in with the scenery. Nets and mesh materials also work just as well as a standard goose fence if they’re installed close enough to the water. These shorter, low-profile fences don’t block other birds from visiting areas around your property, so you will still have the pleasure of seeing wild birds in the area.

Geese Thrive in Lush Greenery

Generally, geese prefer wide open spaces that give them easy access to and out of nearby water. This instinctive preference is a form of self-preservation and helps them quickly escape danger if a predator appears. Because open areas make it difficult for predators to hide, the geese feel much safer. Geese tend to thrive in lush green environments. Waterfowl are generally drawn to well-manicured lawns, golf courses, and even well-maintained public spaces because of this. By eliminating some of the greener spaces on your property, you can create a less welcoming environment for geese. Utilizing harder landscaping materials like mulch, rocks, and non-living materials, geese will find your property less desirable.

Geese mostly feed on land by eating grains and grasses, and their love of lawn grazing can be very destructive to the local environment. When dealing with a Canada goose infestation, your property can be severely damaged by these persistent waterfowl. For their size, Canada geese eat a surprising amount, which only leads to a significant amount of waste. A goose can poop up to two pounds per day, which adds up very quickly when there is a large gaggle nearby. Not only is this damaging to your property, but it can also be dangerous for nearby wildlife, pets, and humans. Goose control techniques can keep your property safe. Go Geese Go offers goose control services and can visit your property regularly to scare geese into leaving. We utilize the most effective measures to deter Canada geese from nesting or spending time on your property

Fencing as a Deterrent

Canada geese migrate north and south to avoid harsh temperatures and to find a suitable home for the spring. While looking for nesting sites, Canada geese will search for comfortable areas with ample resources and easy accessibility. Fencing is a simple landscape modification that has been shown to yield positive results, especially in areas with nearby bodies of water.

As we have established, Canada geese are attracted to garden beds and well-maintained lawns, and larger properties near water are generally desired, especially during nesting season. While fencing can help deter Canada Geese, they tend to be very stubborn birds and may ignore the fence altogether. As bird control experts, Go Geese Go offers a unique solution that has a higher success rate than any other DIY method. Our professional techniques scare the Canada geese into feeling unsafe on your property in a humane way. Waterfowl are less likely to return, or will spend more time elsewhere when they are repeatedly driven off, and in some cases will leave permanently. If you have problems with this stubborn avian pest, contact Go Geese Go, and we can set up a meeting to learn more about your situation and offer helpful solutions.

Reduce Areas Ideal for Geese Nesting

Finding an ideal nesting site is an essential part of goose migration. Canada geese instinctively need to find areas for nesting that are safe and can be easily protected. They have been known to go through great lengths to find a temporary home to lay their eggs. Some of the major factors Canada geese look for are safety against predators, accessible resources like food and water, and nearby bodies of water.

As urban environments expand, and more Canada geese migrate into the United States, we have seen an increase in urban nesting sites. In many urban environments, there are large, open, manicured green spaces with safe bodies of water. Urban areas don’t have as many natural predators like foxes because they tend to avoid metropolitan areas. Business and school campuses, large apartment properties, golf courses, residential neighborhoods, residential properties, and recreation areas typically have landscaping that is regularly maintained. Lawns, landscaping, and gardens create a safe and secure environment and attract geese. If you’re continuously having issues, reducing factors like standard gardens, open landscaping, and lush greenery can lessen the likelihood that geese will choose your property.

Professional Geese Control Methods and Services

Geese are ultimately aggressive and stubborn. The harsh reality is that geese seek out comfort, and oftentimes that brings them to residential properties, businesses, and urban public spaces. Go Geese Go works with professionally trained Border collies to simulate a hunting experience for the geese, scaring them off from your property. This is the most effective way to control these birds and cause them to flee from the area. We work with homeowners, business management companies, and state offices to help control the goose population in Central Ohio. Contact us to learn more about our services.