Deer consume shrubs, and these woody plants are often a major component of their diet. The ecological term for this feeding behavior is “browse,” which refers specifically to the consumption of the leaves, soft shoots, and twigs of woody vegetation. Deer are categorized as “browsers,” meaning they rely on this type of forage throughout the year.
Shrubs as Essential Deer Forage
Deer consume various parts of shrubs, including new leaves, buds, and the tips of the twigs. This woody browse is a consistent food source, even when other types of vegetation are scarce. The young, rapidly growing twigs and leaves that emerge in the spring are particularly succulent and nutritious.
During the summer, deer also eat herbaceous plants, but their diet shifts to relying more on woody material as the season transitions. The stems and twigs of shrubs retain nutrition throughout the year, even after their leaves have dropped. This makes shrubs a source of sustained energy and fiber, especially when herbaceous plants are dormant or unavailable.
Seasonal and Environmental Factors Driving Deer Browsing
The intensity of deer browsing on shrubs is heavily influenced by environmental conditions and seasonal changes. In winter, woody browse becomes the most important food source because deep snow often covers ground-level vegetation, making it inaccessible. Deer survive on the dormant buds and twigs of shrubs during these lean months.
High population density increases pressure on all available forage, causing deer to turn to less preferred plants. During times of drought or resource scarcity, the availability of succulent, high-quality food decreases, forcing deer to rely more heavily on woody browse. Browsing damage often increases from October through February, correlating with the onset of winter.
Distinguishing Deer Damage from Other Garden Pests
The physical signs left on plants help distinguish deer damage from that caused by other common garden pests. Deer lack upper incisors, forcing them to tear and pull vegetation against their lower teeth and dental pad. This results in a jagged, rough, or shredded appearance on browsed stems and leaves.
In contrast, rabbits and rodents have sharp incisors that create a clean, angled cut on the stem, similar to a cut made by pruning shears. Deer browsing damage typically occurs at a height between one and six feet from the ground, reflecting the deer’s stature. Buck rub is vertical scraping on the bark of small trees or shrubs caused by male deer rubbing their antlers to remove velvet or mark territory.
Choosing Plants Deer Tend to Avoid
Protecting your landscape begins with selecting plants that are naturally unappealing to deer. Deer generally avoid shrubs that possess certain physical or chemical characteristics. Plants with strong, aromatic scents, such as many herbs, are often bypassed because the smell is unpleasant to the deer’s sensitive nose.
Shrubs with fuzzy, prickly, or tough leaves and stems are less palatable, as the texture is undesirable. Examples of characteristics deer dislike include the strong odor of boxwood or the fuzzy texture of lamb’s ear. Plants that contain toxic compounds or have a bitter taste are naturally avoided, making them a less likely target.