Deer frequently browse on various plants, posing a challenge for gardeners. These animals consume a wide range of vegetation, from garden vegetables to ornamental shrubs. Their browsing habits can significantly impact the health and productivity of desirable plants.
Deer and Lemon Trees: The Likelihood of Damage
While lemon trees are not typically a deer’s primary food source, deer will browse them, especially when preferred forage is scarce. This often occurs during drought, harsh winters, or in areas with high deer populations where competition for food is intense. Deer are opportunistic feeders, influenced by hunger and plant availability.
Deer damage to lemon trees can manifest in several ways. Deer often strip leaves, gnaw on bark, and break branches, particularly on young, tender trees. New growth is especially vulnerable to browsing, as deer lack upper incisors and tear plant material, leaving ragged edges. Male deer may also rub their antlers on tree trunks to remove velvet, which can severely scar or even girdle young trees.
Protecting Your Lemon Trees from Deer
Physical barriers offer the most effective long-term solution for protecting lemon trees from deer. Fencing is a reliable method, with an ideal height of 8 to 10 feet to deter most deer. For smaller areas or individual young trees, a 6-foot fence can be adequate, especially where deer may be hesitant to jump higher. Ensure fences are tight to the ground to prevent deer from crawling underneath.
Repellents can provide a temporary deterrent, particularly for light or occasional deer activity. These products create an unpleasant taste or odor, with options like putrescent egg solids, dried blood, or homemade mixtures. Repellents require consistent reapplication, especially after rain or new growth, and rotating types prevents deer from becoming accustomed to a single deterrent.
Cultural practices also contribute to a comprehensive protection strategy. Planting less palatable companion plants around lemon trees might help deter deer, though this is not a foolproof method. Managing the surrounding landscape to reduce cover near your trees can make the area less inviting to deer. For young trees, individual wire mesh cylinders or tree guards, at least 6 feet tall, can shield them from both browsing and antler rubbing.