The question of whether maple trees are deer resistant is complex, as the term “resistance” rarely means immunity in the natural world. Maple trees are generally not a deer’s first choice, but they are far from deer-proof. Their palatability depends heavily on environmental factors, such as the availability of preferred food sources and the time of year. Scarcity, especially during times of drought or harsh winter, increases the likelihood of browsing. Therefore, the risk to a maple tree is not zero, and proactive protection is often necessary, particularly for young trees.
Maple Species and Deer Palatability
Deer preference varies significantly among the many maple species, making the choice of tree a factor in minimizing browsing damage. Certain varieties, such as the Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) and Paperbark maple, are frequently categorized as less prone to severe damage. The leaves of the Paperbark maple, for instance, are not as palatable, and its exfoliating, coarse bark is generally unappealing to deer.
Other common species are less fortunate, particularly the Sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and Red maple (Acer rubrum). Deer will readily browse the young shoots and leaves of these species, especially the tender growth of seedlings and saplings. These trees, along with Silver maples, can be attractive to deer. High sap and nutritional content in winter buds and twigs make these maples a valuable food source when other vegetation is scarce.
It is important to understand that even the most “resistant” maple is still vulnerable, especially when young or heavily fertilized. Resistance is a relative measure, suggesting the tree is less preferred than others, but it does not guarantee safety. When food is limited, or deer populations are high, the distinction between a preferred and a less-preferred species may disappear entirely.
Types of Deer Damage to Maple Trees
Deer inflict two distinct types of damage to maple trees: browsing and antler rubbing. Browsing involves deer eating the tender parts of the tree, typically the leaves, buds, and young twigs. This type of damage is most noticeable in spring and summer, when new growth is soft, and during late fall and winter, when other food sources are less available. Browsing damage to leaves and shoots often appears as ragged, uneven tears because deer lack upper incisors.
The second type of damage, antler rubbing, is more severe and often fatal to young maples. This occurs primarily in late summer and autumn when male deer, or bucks, rub their antlers against the trunk to remove velvet or to mark territory. Bucks tend to target smooth-barked trees, like maples, that are between one and five inches in diameter. The rubbing action shreds the bark, exposing the underlying cambium layer and disrupting the tree’s vascular system.
If the bark is stripped completely around the tree’s circumference, a condition known as girdling occurs, which prevents the transport of water and nutrients and will inevitably kill the tree. While browsing is usually survivable for an established tree, rubbing can cause severe injury or death within one to three years. Rubs typically occur from about one to five feet above the ground.
Effective Protection Strategies
Protecting maple trees requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses both browsing and rubbing behaviors. Physical barriers offer the most reliable form of protection, especially for newly planted or young trees. A durable, eight-foot-tall fence around a perimeter is the most effective way to exclude deer entirely, as they are hesitant to jump such a height.
For individual trees, wire cages or cylinders that are at least six feet high can prevent browsing damage. To prevent the more destructive antler rubbing, trunk protectors, such as vinyl spiral wraps or plastic gutter pipes, should be installed around the tree base in late summer and removed in the spring. These guards must be secure but not so tight as to girdle the tree themselves.
Repellents provide a secondary line of defense and work by creating an unpleasant taste or odor. These sprays often contain ingredients like putrefied eggs or capsaicin that deter deer from feeding on the foliage. Repellents are not a permanent solution and must be reapplied frequently, especially after heavy rain or as new growth emerges. A combined strategy using both physical barriers for trunk protection and repellents for foliage is often necessary for long-term success.