Dogwood trees, belonging to the genus Cornus, are known for their elegant shape and showy spring flowers. Deer will consume dogwood, but they are generally considered a moderately preferred food source rather than a primary one. This means that while dogwoods are not entirely safe, their risk of damage is situational and depends heavily on environmental factors and the availability of other forage.
Dogwood as a Food Source for Deer
While deer tend to prioritize plants with high nutrient density, dogwood species often serve as a dietary supplement. They are considered “mildly resistant,” meaning they are not the first choice when other browse is abundant. However, palatability varies significantly across the different species within the genus.
The native Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) is generally more vulnerable to browsing than its Asian counterpart, the Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa). Kousa Dogwood exhibits greater resistance, partly due to its thicker, less palatable bark and foliage. Species like Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea) are often browsed more frequently, especially during the winter months. No species is deer-proof, and young trees with tender growth are always at a higher risk of being eaten.
Identifying Deer Damage on Dogwood
Recognizing deer damage is straightforward due to the unique way the animals feed. Deer lack lower incisor teeth, meaning they must tear and pull when they eat, resulting in a ragged or frayed edge on damaged leaves and snapped twigs. This contrasts sharply with the clean, sharp cut left by smaller animals like rabbits or squirrels.
The height of the damage is another strong indicator, as deer typically browse between 1 and 6 feet from the ground. On young saplings or small trees, deer may also cause damage by stripping the bark from the trunk, a behavior that often occurs in winter. This removal of bark, known as girdling when it encircles the entire trunk, is dangerous as it interrupts the flow of nutrients and can kill the tree.
When Deer Browse Dogwood Trees
The likelihood of deer browsing dogwood is driven by food scarcity. The two most significant periods of risk are the winter months and times of environmental hardship. During winter, when preferred food sources are dormant or buried under snow, deer expand their diet to include woody shrubs, buds, and tree bark.
The high calcium and fat content in the leaves and sprouts of dogwoods make them an attractive secondary source of sustenance during these lean times. Risk also increases in areas with high deer population density, as competition forces animals to consume less desirable plants. Environmental factors such as drought or a poor mast crop can increase browsing pressure on dogwoods year-round, as deer must forage more widely.
Simple Methods for Tree Protection
Protecting dogwood trees from deer requires proactive measures, particularly for young, vulnerable specimens. Physical barriers are the most reliable defense and can be implemented through individual caging or perimeter fencing. A simple cage made of wire mesh or chicken wire placed around a single tree can prevent both browsing and bark rubbing damage.
To keep deer out of an entire area, permanent fencing must be at least 8 feet tall, as deer are capable of jumping high when motivated. For temporary protection, commercial deer repellents can be applied. These products use foul tastes or odors, such as rotten eggs or capsaicin, to deter feeding. Repellents require frequent reapplication, especially after rain or new growth, to maintain effectiveness.