Deer consume mulberry trees, posing a significant challenge for gardeners and landowners. Mulberry species, including the native Morus rubra and non-native varieties, are highly attractive to deer throughout the year. This palatability means that a mulberry tree is often considered a preferred browse species by local deer populations. The consistent appeal ensures it is frequently targeted, particularly when other food sources become scarce.
Why Deer Browse Mulberry Trees
Deer are drawn to mulberry trees because the foliage and young growth offer a favorable blend of nutrition and digestibility. In spring and summer, the primary attraction is the soft, tender new shoots and leaves, which are easily consumed and rich in nutrients. Deer will actively seek out this fresh growth, often repeatedly browsing the same tree. This heavy consumption can severely stunt or even kill younger trees by preventing them from establishing a strong structure.
The feeding habits change with the seasons, moving from foliage to bark during winter. When snow cover limits access to herbaceous plants, deer strip bark from woody stems to access the inner cambium layer, a concentrated source of moisture and carbohydrates. This bark-stripping behavior is particularly damaging. Furthermore, the sweet, early-ripening fruit also draws deer, though the damage caused by browsing on leaves and bark is typically more detrimental to the tree’s long-term health.
Identifying the Extent of Damage
Confirming that deer are the culprits requires observation of distinct damage patterns that differentiate them from other herbivores. Deer lack upper incisors, meaning they cannot make a clean cut when they feed, instead tearing and jerking the plant material. This results in a characteristic ragged or frayed appearance on browsed twigs and leaves. The height of the damage is another key indicator, as deer typically browse on growth anywhere from ground level up to six feet high, creating a noticeable “browse line” on mature trees.
Another tell-tale sign is the presence of buck rub marks. These occur when male deer scrape their antlers against the trunk of a young tree to remove velvet or mark territory. This rubbing shreds the bark in vertical strips, exposing the wood beneath and often entirely girdling the tree, which can lead to its death. While browsing often leaves stems with ragged edges, rabbits leave a clean, angled cut near the ground, helping to distinguish between the two types of animal activity.
Protecting Trees from Deer
Protecting mulberry trees from persistent deer damage requires a multi-faceted approach, often combining physical exclusion and deterrents. For young trees and saplings, the most effective physical barrier is a wire cage or cylinder made from galvanized mesh, standing at least five to six feet tall. This barrier should be secured around the tree, preventing deer from accessing the tender bark and young branches.
For a more permanent solution, installing a perimeter fence that is at least eight feet high is necessary to prevent deer from jumping over. Repellents offer another layer of defense, especially when used in conjunction with physical barriers. These can include commercial products or homemade mixtures containing eggs or strong spices. These deterrents must be reapplied frequently, especially after rainfall or when new growth appears. Applying protection before the winter months, when deer are most likely to strip bark, is a proactive step that can save a tree from fatal girdling.