The weeping willow (Salix babylonica) is an ornamental tree recognized for its graceful, cascading branches. Homeowners often choose this species for its fast growth and distinctive appearance. In areas with white-tailed deer, however, concerns arise about the tree’s vulnerability to feeding or physical damage. Understanding the interaction between deer and willows is necessary for protecting landscape investments. This article addresses whether deer consume weeping willows and outlines strategies to prevent harm.
Palatability of Weeping Willows to Deer
Deer do consume weeping willows, though the tree is typically not their preferred food source. Willows are classified as “moderately palatable” and are more likely to be eaten when better options are unavailable. This opportunistic browsing often occurs during the late fall and winter when other vegetation is dormant or covered by snow.
The appeal of the willow lies in its young shoots and terminal twigs, which have a high moisture content. Deer target the tender new growth, particularly in early spring, which can lead to significant damage to developing branches. While the tree’s fast growth rate helps it recover from minor browsing, repeated feeding on young trees can stunt development or alter the willow’s shape.
Identifying Browsing and Rubbing Damage
Identifying the specific type of damage is the first step toward effective mitigation, as deer inflict two distinct forms of harm on trees. The most common form is browsing, which is the consumption of leaves, buds, and twigs. This results in a ragged or torn appearance because the deer’s lack of upper incisor teeth prevents a clean cut.
Browsing damage is usually confined to a height of up to six feet from the ground or snow line, representing the maximum reach of an adult deer. Rubbing damage is caused exclusively by male deer, or bucks, primarily in the autumn. They rub their antlers against the trunk to remove velvet and mark territory, often targeting young trees with a diameter between one and three inches.
Rubbing creates vertical gashes and scrapes along the trunk, stripping away the bark and exposing the inner wood. If this destruction circles the entire trunk, it can effectively girdle the tree, interrupting the flow of nutrients and water. Unlike browsing, which the willow can recover from, girdling damage from rubbing is frequently fatal to younger, thin-barked trees.
Effective Mitigation Strategies
Protecting weeping willows requires a multi-faceted strategy that addresses both browsing and rubbing. Physical exclusion is the most reliable method for preventing deer damage, especially for newly planted or vulnerable young trees. Installing a permanent or temporary woven-wire fence that is at least eight feet high will exclude deer from an entire area.
For individual trees, a wire cage or cylinder secured around the trunk provides effective protection against both browsing and rubbing. These barriers should extend above the highest point a buck could rub, typically at least four feet. Plastic or mesh tree guards wrapped around the trunk in the fall can also shield the bark from antler rubbing.
Repellents offer a non-physical barrier, working through taste or odor to deter feeding, but they require consistent reapplication. Repellents containing putrescent egg solids are effective, creating a foul taste on the foliage. Since these products degrade and wash away in rain, they must be reapplied every four to six weeks, particularly on new growth and after precipitation.