Deer populations are increasingly present in various habitats, including suburban and residential areas. Their expanding presence often leads to concerns among gardeners and homeowners about their cultivated plants. Understanding deer behavior and preferences is important for protecting garden investments.
Deer and Fig Trees
Deer are adaptable foragers, consuming a variety of plant materials depending on availability and season. While fig trees (Ficus carica) are not typically a primary food source for deer due to their thick, somewhat leathery leaves and milky sap, they can become attractive targets. When other preferred food sources become scarce, especially in late summer and early autumn or during dry periods, deer may readily browse on fig trees. This opportunistic feeding behavior means that even plants generally considered less appealing can be consumed under certain environmental conditions.
The nutritional appeal of figs to deer includes the sugar content of the fruit, which provides a concentrated energy source. The foliage, particularly young and tender growth, can also be palatable. Although some sources indicate deer may avoid fig leaves due to their latex-rich sap, others report significant browsing on both leaves and fruit when deer are hungry. Young fig trees with their softer tissues are particularly vulnerable to browsing pressure.
Parts of the Fig Tree Deer Consume
Deer consume several parts of the fig tree. The fruit, both ripe and unripe, is often a favored target due to its sweetness. Deer can strip entire crops of figs from a tree once they discover them.
Beyond the fruit, deer commonly browse on the tender young leaves and new shoots. Damage to leaves often appears as ragged or torn edges. In colder months or during periods of food scarcity, deer may also gnaw on the bark of younger branches or rub their antlers against the trunk, causing damage that can hinder the tree’s growth.
Deterring Deer from Fig Trees
Protecting fig trees from deer involves a combination of strategies. Physical barriers are often the most effective way to prevent deer from accessing plants. Fencing, ideally at least 8 feet tall, can deter deer from jumping over, while individual cages or netting around young trees can provide localized protection. Ensuring fences are secured at ground level helps prevent deer from crawling underneath.
Deer repellents offer another layer of protection, working through scent or taste to make plants unappealing. Scent-based repellents may contain ingredients like putrefied egg solids, garlic, or predator urine. Taste-based repellents can create a bitter flavor on foliage. For maximum effectiveness, repellents should be applied regularly, especially after rain, and rotated to prevent deer from becoming accustomed to a single type.
Interplanting fig trees with deer-resistant plants can also deter browsing. Deer tend to avoid plants with strong scents, rough textures, or bitter tastes, such as lavender, rosemary, sage, and mint. Placing these plants around fig trees can create a less inviting environment for deer. Utilizing motion-activated sprinklers or noise deterrents can also startle deer, making them hesitant to approach the area.