Weeping cherry trees are cherished ornamental plants, widely admired for their graceful, cascading branches and abundant spring blossoms. These trees bring significant aesthetic appeal to various landscapes, making them a popular choice for gardeners. A frequent concern for those cultivating these beautiful trees is their vulnerability to deer browsing.
Do Deer Eat Weeping Cherry Trees?
Deer eat weeping cherry trees, which are not considered deer-resistant plants. While some cultivars, like the ‘Snow Fountains’ weeping cherry, are marketed as deer-resistant, deer may still browse them, especially when other food sources are scarce. Deer are attracted to young shoots, buds, leaves, and sometimes even the bark of trees. This browsing behavior is common during fall and winter when preferred forage is limited. Younger weeping cherry trees are especially vulnerable to severe damage from deer.
Identifying Deer Damage
Recognizing deer damage on your weeping cherry tree involves looking for specific signs. Deer lack upper incisors, meaning they cannot make clean cuts. Instead, they typically tear or jerk off plant material, leaving ragged or torn edges on leaves, twigs, and stems. In contrast, rabbits or rodents leave cleaner, angled cuts.
Missing buds are another common indicator of deer browsing. Damage usually occurs at a height ranging from ground level up to 6 feet, which corresponds to the deer’s typical browsing height. Additionally, male deer (bucks) rub their antlers on tree trunks, especially on younger trees, which can strip bark and leave vertical scrapes, often occurring from September through November.
Protecting Your Weeping Cherry Tree
Protecting weeping cherry trees from deer involves physical barriers and repellents. Physical barriers directly prevent deer access. Fencing, such as an 8-foot woven-wire fence, is the most reliable method for complete exclusion, though 6-foot fences can also be effective. For individual young trees, tree guards made of plastic netting or rigid mesh can shield the trunk from browsing and antler rubbing. These guards allow for airflow and can be cut to size, with some types wrapping spirally around the trunk.
Repellents work by emitting odors or tastes that deer find unpleasant. Scent-based repellents use ingredients like garlic, mint, or essential oils, while taste-based repellents often contain putrescent egg solids or capsaicin. Repellents need consistent reapplication, particularly after rain or new growth, as their effectiveness can diminish over time. Motion-activated sprinklers can also deter deer by startling them with a burst of water and noise when movement is detected.
Long-Term Management and Prevention
Effective long-term deer management for weeping cherry trees often requires a multifaceted approach. Combining different deterrent methods, such as physical barriers and repellents, can significantly increase their effectiveness. Consistent vigilance is important, involving regular inspection for damage and adapting strategies based on local deer activity. Understanding seasonal browsing patterns, such as increased feeding during winter when food is scarce, helps in proactive protection. Additionally, planting deer-resistant companion plants with strong scents or unappealing textures, such as lavender, rosemary, or thyme, near your weeping cherry trees can create a less inviting environment for deer.