You come outside to your garden or landscaping and it’s been totally destroyed. You wonder what it could be. Do deer eat arborvitae trees?
Many homeowners and gardeners struggle with this issue, especially during the harsh winter months.
Deer love to nibble on the tender leaves and branches of Arborvitae trees when other food sources are scarce.
In landscapes across the United States, arborvitae are popular for their year-round greenery and ability to create attractive borders.
Unfortunately, these same qualities make them a prime target for hungry deer.
Deer do eat arborvitae trees, often causing significant damage.
Whether you’re dealing with a small garden in your nursery or a large estate, protecting your trees is crucial.
There are effective methods to keep deer away from your arborvitae.
Fencing, repellents, and deer-resistant plant varieties are just a few ways to safeguard your greenery.
By taking action now, you can ensure that your landscape remains lush and beautiful throughout the year.
Do Deer Eat Arborvitae Trees?
Yes, deer do eat arborvitae trees.
These trees are particularly appealing to them, especially in winter when other food sources are scarce.
Deer often munch on the tender foliage and young shoots. If you’re seeing damage on your arborvitae, it’s likely because hungry deer have visited your yard.
During winter, fawns and adult deer may rely heavily on plants like arborvitae. They find these trees nutritious and easy to access, making them a prime target.
You might notice the lower branches of your arborvitae are most affected. This pattern happens because deer can reach up to a certain height, generally around 6 feet.
To protect your trees, consider using strategies like:
- Fencing: A tall fence can keep deer out of your yard.
- Repellents: Spray repellents can deter deer from eating the foliage.
- Protective Wrapping: Wrap the lower parts of the trees with burlap or other materials.
Arborvitae are valued in landscaping for their year-round greenery and privacy. But if deer are not managed, they can cause significant damage to these trees.
By taking preventive measures, you can enjoy healthy, beautiful arborvitae in your garden without them becoming deer food.
Are Arborvitae Trees Deer Resistant?
Arborvitae trees, especially common varieties like Thuja occidentalis and Thuja plicata, are popular choices for privacy screens and evergreen hedges.
Despite their popularity, many homeowners wonder if these trees are deer-resistant.
Deer and Arborvitae
Deer find arborvitae trees quite appealing, particularly in winter. When food sources are scarce, deer often turn to arborvitaes for sustenance. However, different types of arborvitaes have varying degrees of resistance.
Deer-Resistant Varieties
Some varieties are more deer-resistant than others.
For example, the Green Giant and Spring Grove types are less favored by deer due to their bitter taste. These deer-resistant species are better choices if you’re dealing with hungry deer.
| Arborvitae Variety | Deer Resistance Level |
|---|---|
| Green Giant | High |
| Spring Grove | High |
| Emerald Green | Moderate |
| Western Arborvitae | Moderate |
Tips for Protection
If you already have arborvitaes that attract deer, you can use repellents. There are sprays available that make the foliage less tasty to deer.
Another effective method is physical barriers like fencing, though this can be more costly.
You might also consider planting other deer-resistant plants alongside your arborvitaes. These can act as a natural deterrent, making your garden less tempting for deer.
How To Keep Deer From Eating Arborvitae Trees
Deer are known to munch on arborvitae trees, especially in winter when food is scarce. Here are some effective ways to protect your arborvitae:
1. Use Deer Repellent Sprays
Sprays like Bobbex or Deer Stopper release an unpleasant odor that keeps deer away. Apply these sprays regularly, especially after it rains.
2. Install Deer Fencing
A deer fence should be at least 8 feet high to prevent deer from jumping over. You can use materials like mesh or deer netting for this.
3. Wrap Trees with Burlap
Wrapping individual trees with burlap can act as a physical barrier. It not only deters deer but also protects the trees from harsh weather.
4. Set Up Motion-Activated Sprinklers
These sprinklers activate when they detect movement, giving deer a surprise splash of water that scares them away.
5. Try Garlic and Irish Spring Soap
You can hang small bags filled with garlic powder or pieces of Irish Spring soap around your trees. The strong smells deter deer.
6. Use Physical Barriers
Besides fences, physical barriers like chicken wire or hardware cloth can be wrapped around individual trees to keep deer away.
7. Apply DIY Deer Repellent
Mix eggs with water to make a homemade repellent. Spray this mixture on your arborvitae to prevent deer from eating them.
Mix and match these methods to suit your needs. Consistency is key.
Will Arborvitae Trees Grow Back After Being Eaten By Deer?
Arborvitae trees can recover after being eaten by deer, but they need some care to get back their usual look. The process will involve pruning, watering, and keeping the deer away.
Steps To Help Your Arborvitae Trees Recover From Deer Damage
Pruning is important to help your arborvitae branches grow back.
You should shear the parts that were not touched by the deer. Be careful not to cut the terminal growth, as this is vital for the plant’s recovery. Keep pruning to promote new, green growth.
Watering your arborvitae properly is crucial.
Make sure the soil around the tree is moist but not waterlogged.
During the first growing season after damage, frequent watering will help the tree regain health and encourage lush growth.
Use deer repellent sprays or physical barriers to protect your arborvitae from further deer damage.
This step is essential to preventing the same problem in the future. Some sprays contain ingredients like eggs, which deer find repulsive.
Fertilizers can provide a nutrient boost to your damaged tree.
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support steady growth. Remember, over-fertilizing can harm the tree, so follow the product instructions carefully.
Patience is key when helping your arborvitae recover.
These trees can grow between 6 to 12 inches each year, so it may take several seasons to see full regrowth.
Keep up with regular maintenance to ensure your tree remains healthy and robust.
Understanding Deer’s Diet And Arborvitae Trees
The diet of deer changes with the seasons, and arborvitae trees can be both a favored meal in some periods and less appealing in others.
Seasonal Variations In Deer’s Diet
During winter, deer often turn to evergreens like arborvitae for sustenance. With snow covering many food sources, these trees provide essential nutrients.
In contrast, spring and summer bring a variety of green plants and shrubs that deer prefer. They might eat deciduous shrubs, young tree shoots, and other fresh growth.
In fall, deer shift back towards evergreens, including yews and western red cedar, as these provide more consistent nutrition when other sources dwindle. Understanding these patterns helps you protect your trees from deer.
What About Other Wildlife And Arborvitae Trees?
Arborvitae trees, while popular with deer, also attract other types of wildlife.
Birds often find shelter and nest in these dense trees, especially during colder months.
Small mammals, like rabbits and squirrels, may sometimes nibble on the lower branches.
This can cause damage similar to deer browsing but usually at a different height.
Chipmunks and voles might dig around the base of the trees, potentially harming the roots.
This kind of disturbance can weaken the tree, making it more vulnerable to other issues.
Managing the presence of animals around your arborvitae is important for this reason.
Using repellents and fencing can help protect your trees from these small mammals.
You can find many products designed to keep a range of animals at bay.
In some cases, using netting or hardware cloth around the base can deter digging animals.
Consider these options if you notice consistent damage or activity around your arborvitae.
Different wildlife affects arborvitae in various ways, so it’s crucial to be aware of all potential threats.
By paying attention and taking preventive measures, you can keep your trees healthy.