Deer are known for their varied diet, but you might be surprised to learn that they do eat tree bark.
While it’s not their first choice, during times when other food sources are scarce, deer will nibble on the bark of trees.
This behavior can cause significant damage to trees, including defoliation and even death if it goes too far.
You’ll often find deer targeting young or thin-barked trees, especially in the winter months when food is limited.
They strip away the bark, which not only weakens the tree but can also expose it to disease and pests.
Knowing this can help you take steps to protect your trees if deer are common in your area.
Understanding why deer resort to eating bark can give you a better idea of their needs and habits.
The bark provides fiber and essential nutrients that help deer stay healthy when other food is hard to find.
By learning more about this behavior, you can make informed decisions about how to manage and safeguard your yard.
Do Deer Eat Tree Bark?
Yes, deer absolutely eat tree bark! This behavior poses a significant threat to trees, impacting their health and survival.
Deer consume bark for several reasons. Bark is a source of fiber, aiding in digestion. It also contains nutrients like vitamin C, which supports their immune system.
Deer nibbling on tree bark can cause girdling. This is when bark is stripped away, exposing inner tissues and disrupting the flow of nutrients.
Deer damage trees in other ways too. They eat foliage, buds, and stems.
Additionally, they rub their antlers against tree trunks, which can remove bark and harm the tree.
Hunger often drives deer to eat bark.
In winter, when food is scarce, they turn to bark of trees like maple, oak, and birch.
Common Effects of Deer Eating Tree Bark:
- Tree Damage: Loss of foliage, girdling, stem damage.
- Tree Death: Severe girdling can kill trees by preventing nutrient flow.
- Ecosystem Impact: Damaged trees affect forest health and wildlife habitats.
Preventing deer from eating bark is crucial. Measures such as tree guards and repellents can help protect your trees.
Is Tree Bark Deer Resistant?
Deer often cause significant damage to trees by eating the bark. They nibble on bark, stems, foliage, and buds, which can harm the tree’s health.
Some trees are more resistant to deer than others.
Trees like white cedar are less likely to have their bark eaten by deer. However, during harsh winters or food shortages, deer may resort to eating even resistant trees.
Different strategies can help protect your trees from deer.
Using deer repellents, installing protective structures, or choosing deer-resistant trees can be effective.
Here is a table of tree types and their resistance levels:
| Tree Type | Deer Resistance Level |
| Oak (Quercus spp.) | Moderate |
| Maple (Acer spp.) | Low |
| Pine (Pinus spp.) | High |
| Spruce (Picea spp.) | High |
| Birch (Betula spp.) | Low |
| Cedar (Cedrus spp.) | High |
| Dogwood (Cornus spp.) | Moderate |
| Willow (Salix spp.) | Low |
| Magnolia (Magnolia spp.) | Moderate |
| Cherry (Prunus spp.) | Low |
| Hemlock (Tsuga spp.) | High |
| Redbud (Cercis canadensis) | Moderate |
| Elm (Ulmus spp.) | Low |
| Holly (Ilex spp.) | High |
| Beech (Fagus spp.) | Low |
Remember, no tree is entirely safe from deer, especially when food is scarce. Taking preventive measures early can help maintain the health of your trees.
How To Keep Deer From Eating Tree Bark
You can use several methods to protect your trees from deer.
A fence is one of the most effective ways.
Build a mesh fence around each tree. This prevents deer from getting close. If you prefer a larger area, install a fence around your entire garden.
Tree guards are another option.
These can be made of plastic or metal and wrapped around the trunk. They should reach at least 5 feet off the ground. Tree guards protect the bark from being nibbled and rubbed.
Netting can also be used.
Cover the tree and its lower branches. This creates a physical barrier that deer cannot easily breach.
Planting repellent plants near your trees can also help.
Deer tend to avoid certain plants like mint, lavender, and marigolds. These plants act as a natural deterrent.
Traps and scare devices can also be useful.
Motion-activated sprinklers or noise makers can scare deer away. These methods make your yard less appealing to deer.
Mixing these methods can give you the best results.
Use a combination of physical barriers like fences or tree guards, and natural deterrents like repellent plants. This will provide multiple layers of protection for your trees.
Will Tree Bark Grow Back After Being Eaten By Deer?
When deer eat tree bark, it can be very damaging. Tree bark may not fully regrow, but taking specific steps can help your tree heal and survive.
Steps To Help Your Tree Bark Recover
First, clean up the wound.
Use a sharp knife to cut away any jagged edges around the damaged bark. This helps the tree transport nutrients more efficiently. Be careful not to cut into healthy bark.
Next, wrap the wounded area.
Use plastic or mesh tree guards to protect the tree from further damage. You can also use chicken wire or burlap. Make sure to secure the wrap loosely to avoid restricting growth.
Finally, water and fertilize regularly.
Healthy trees can recover more quickly from bark damage. Ensure your tree gets enough water and nutrients, especially during the growing season. Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture.
Understanding Deer’s Diet And Tree Bark
Deer have a diverse diet that can include tree bark, especially during certain times of the year. These herbivores rely on tree bark for various nutrients and minerals when other food sources are scarce.
Seasonal Variations In Deer’s Diet
In winter, natural vegetation becomes limited, making tree bark an essential part of a deer’s diet.
You may find deer stripping bark from young trees to access the cambium layer underneath. This part of the tree is rich in nutrients, fiber, and calcium, which help support their health.
During warmer months, deer prefer leaves, fruits, and other vegetation. Bark consumption is less common but still occurs when necessary.
You might notice that deer consume more bark in regions where winters are harsher and food supply is more restricted.
What About Other Wildlife And Tree Bark?
Several animals other than deer also eat tree bark. This helps them survive, especially when other food is scarce.
Black bears often strip bark to get to the soft layer underneath. They prefer young trees and can damage trees in this way.
Squirrels chew on bark to sharpen their teeth. This activity can girdle small branches, harming the tree.
Rabbits nibble on bark, especially during winter. They tend to focus on the lower part of young trees, which can cause serious damage.
In the wild, different animals rely on bark to meet their nutritional needs. Some of the common ones include:
- Porcupines
- Voles
- Beavers
This behavior can be a problem in agriculture. Loss of bark can weaken or kill young trees, impacting their value and longevity.
Antler rubbing by deer can also strip bark from trees. This usually happens in the fall, when deer polish their antlers. The damage can be severe enough to girdle the tree.