Do Gopher-Resistant Plants Actually Work?

The truth about plant-based gopher deterrents and what actually solves the problem.

Nurseries and gardening sites frequently promote gopher-resistant plants as a solution to gopher problems. While certain plants are less palatable to gophers, relying on them as a primary control strategy has significant limitations.

PLANTS GOPHERS TEND TO AVOID

Some plants are genuinely less attractive to gophers due to toxic compounds or strong scents — gopher spurge, lavender, rosemary, salvia, and ornamental alliums are commonly cited examples. Gophers will generally bypass these when other options are available.

WHY RESISTANT PLANTS ARE NOT A SOLUTION

Gopher-resistant plants address feeding preference, not territory. A gopher living in your yard does not leave because you planted lavender. In high-pressure properties, gophers eat plants they typically avoid when preferred food is depleted. Resistant plants also do nothing to prevent tunnel damage to irrigation systems and lawn structure.

WHAT ACTUALLY WORKS

Professional trapping physically removes resident gophers, stopping tunnel expansion and feeding damage immediately. Gopher-resistant landscaping works best as a complement to professional treatment, not as a replacement.