Deer browse on a wide array of plants, including woody stems, leaves, and buds. Maple trees (Acer genus) are common and widespread components of North American forests, frequently intersecting with white-tailed deer habitat. Understanding the role of maples in a deer’s diet is complex, as feeding behavior is influenced by factors like the availability of other foods and the specific maple species present.
General Palatability of Maple Trees for Deer
Maple trees are generally considered a secondary or tertiary source of browse for deer, meaning they are not typically the most preferred food. Deer are more likely to select highly nutritious forbs or certain preferred shrubs when they are readily available during the growing season. However, the twigs, terminal buds, and young leaves of maple trees are consumed, especially when deer populations are high or other food sources are scarce. This woody browse provides necessary fiber and protein, particularly in the challenging winter months when a deer’s diet is significantly restricted.
In winter, woody browse can make up a large percentage of a deer’s diet, and maples become an important part of the survival strategy. Deer also consume freshly fallen maple leaves in the autumn, seeking the residual moisture and sugars before the foliage completely dries out.
Varying Preferences Among Maple Species
The overall palatability of the maple genus is misleading, as deer preference varies significantly depending on the species. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) is often one of the most highly browsed hardwood species in northern forests. Its new growth is frequently targeted by deer due to its relatively high nutritional content and good taste. The heavy browsing pressure on Sugar Maple seedlings can sometimes suppress their regeneration in a forest understory.
Red Maple (Acer rubrum) is generally considered less preferred than Sugar Maple, though it is still eaten, especially in winter. Some reports list it as a species that is seldom severely damaged, suggesting a lower overall palatability compared to other browse. Similarly, species like Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) and Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) tend to fall into an intermediate category of preference. Deer will consume these maples, but they are often passed over if the more desirable Sugar Maple or other primary food sources are nearby.
The taste and texture of the leaves and twigs appear to be the primary factors influencing this species-specific browsing behavior. Landowners and forest managers must consider the specific maple species present to accurately predict the level of risk from deer consumption.
Seasonal Browsing Habits and Tree Damage
Deer browsing on maples is most noticeable during the late fall and winter months when food resources are less plentiful. During this time, deer focus on the dormant buds and terminal twigs of young maple trees, which are accessible within a height range of about six feet from the ground. This intense winter feeding can severely stunt or kill young saplings by removing the growth tips necessary for future development.
During the spring and summer, deer shift their focus to softer, green vegetation, including the leaves of maples, but the damage is usually less impactful than winter browse. When deer density is high, however, even summer leaf consumption can become a problem for the overall health of the tree.
Buck Rub Damage
A significant type of damage unrelated to feeding is called “buck rub,” which occurs when male deer rub their antlers on the trunks of saplings to remove velvet or mark territory during the rutting season. This rubbing can strip the bark completely around the trunk, a process called girdling, which often leads to the death of the tree.