Bradford Pear trees (Pyrus calleryana) are a common sight in residential landscapes, valued for their rapid growth, uniform shape, and abundant white blossoms. These ornamental trees are widely planted in suburban and urban settings, leading homeowners to frequently express concern regarding potential deer damage.
Deer and Bradford Pears
Deer do browse Bradford Pear trees, despite their reputation as being deer-resistant. While not a primary food source, they are not deer-proof. Deer are opportunistic feeders and will consume Bradford Pears, particularly when other, more preferred food sources are scarce.
Deer eat young leaves, tender twigs, and new growth on Bradford Pears. They may also strip bark from trunks, especially on younger trees, which can cause significant damage. The severity of browsing can vary based on the local deer population and the availability of their natural forage.
Factors Influencing Deer Browsing
Several factors contribute to why deer might browse Bradford Pear trees. Food scarcity is a primary driver, with browsing increasing during drought or in winter months when other vegetation is less available. Deep snow can limit access to low-growing plants, forcing deer to seek food from accessible trees and shrubs.
Young Bradford Pear trees are particularly vulnerable to browsing due to their tender new growth. Deer prefer forbs, shrubs, and young trees, making newly planted or vigorously growing Pears attractive targets. Trees located closer to natural deer habitats, such as wooded areas, often experience more intense browsing pressure.
Protecting Your Bradford Pears
Protecting Bradford Pears from deer damage involves various strategies. Physical barriers are generally the most reliable method for deterring deer. Installing fencing at least eight feet tall can effectively prevent deer from accessing your trees, although a six-foot fence may deter them from smaller, enclosed areas.
For individual trees, especially young ones, tree guards, wraps, or tubes offer direct protection to trunks and lower branches. These barriers, made from plastic mesh, chicken wire, or solid plastic, should be tall enough to prevent both browsing and antler rubbing, often extending 47 inches or more high. Wire cages, set at least three feet from the tree and six feet tall, also create an effective deterrent.
Deer repellents provide an additional layer of defense. These products work by taste or smell, utilizing ingredients such as putrescent egg solids or hot pepper extract. Apply repellents thoroughly to leaves, stems, and branches, ideally up to six feet high, on dry plants and when temperatures are above 40°F. Reapplication is crucial every two to four weeks, after heavy rain, or when new growth emerges, as deer can become accustomed to the repellents over time. Consider planting susceptible Bradford Pears closer to your home and surrounding them with deer-resistant plant varieties that possess aromatic foliage or prickly textures.