Deer are common visitors to many landscapes, and their browsing habits can significantly impact a garden’s health and yield. Understanding how deer interact with specific plants, such as kiwi, helps gardeners implement effective strategies to protect their cultivation efforts.
Kiwi and Deer Palatability
Deer consume kiwi plants, particularly tender new growth and leaves, especially during spring or when other food sources are scarce. While not a primary food source, kiwi vines are susceptible to browsing.
Both fuzzy kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) and hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta or kolomikta) are susceptible to deer browsing. Young kiwi plants are generally more vulnerable to damage. Unlike some plants with strong scents or fuzzy foliage, kiwi leaves do not consistently possess these deterrent characteristics, making them appealing to deer.
Identifying Deer Damage
Recognizing deer damage on kiwi plants involves observing specific signs. Deer lack upper incisors, so they tear or jerk off plant parts, leaving ragged or torn leaves and stems. This contrasts with damage from rabbits or rodents, which usually leave clean, sharp cuts.
Deer browsing often occurs from ground level up to about six feet high, which is their typical reach. A clear “browse line,” where vegetation is absent up to a certain height, indicates significant deer activity. Other signs include elongated pellet-like droppings and distinctive tracks shaped like two halves of a broken heart. Trampled plants near feeding areas also suggest deer activity.
Protecting Kiwi Plants
Protecting kiwi plants from deer involves physical barriers and deterrents. Fencing is often the most effective method, with an ideal height of at least eight feet to prevent deer from jumping. For individual young plants, cages made of sturdy wire or netting provide immediate protection.
Repellents offer another layer of defense, working by taste or smell to deter deer. Many commercial repellents contain ingredients like putrescent egg solids, garlic, or dried blood, which deer find unpleasant. These need consistent reapplication, typically every two to four weeks, and after heavy rains, as their effectiveness can diminish. Rotating different types of repellents helps prevent deer from becoming accustomed to a single one. Companion planting with deer-resistant plants can also make the area less appealing, though this method is generally less reliable than physical barriers or consistent repellent use.