The presence of deer in residential and rural areas poses a significant threat to established trees and new plantings. Damage typically manifests in two ways: browsing, where deer consume tender buds, leaves, or entire young plants, and rubbing, where male deer (bucks) scrape their antlers against the bark, often girdling and killing small trees. Addressing these behaviors requires a comprehensive strategy because deer are highly adaptable animals. Effective protection involves a layered approach that combines physical exclusion, sensory deterrence, and thoughtful landscape design.
Implementing Physical Barriers
Physical exclusion is the most dependable method for preventing deer damage, as it directly blocks access to the trees. For perimeter protection, a fence must be tall enough to exceed a deer’s vertical leap; 8 feet or more is generally recommended for a truly deer-proof barrier, though 7 feet may suffice in areas with moderate pressure. Materials range from heavy-gauge woven wire to high-tensile plastic mesh, which must be secured tightly to the ground to prevent deer from slipping underneath.
A common and highly effective strategy involves using a double-fence system, which utilizes two parallel, shorter fences spaced a few feet apart. This arrangement confuses the deer’s depth perception, making them less likely to attempt a jump into the confined space. For individual trees, especially young saplings, the use of plastic tree shelters or tubes is advised. These tubes should be at least 5 to 6 feet tall to ensure the growing tip of the tree emerges above the reach of browsing deer.
Protecting the tree trunk from buck rub is a separate concern, typically occurring during the autumn rutting season. Bucks prefer rubbing on trunks that are 1 to 4 inches in diameter to remove velvet from their antlers and mark territory. A tree tube or a rigid trunk protector provides a physical shell that prevents antler-to-bark contact. These individual protectors should remain in place until the trunk diameter is large enough—around 3.5 to 4.75 inches—that the deer are less likely to target it.
Sensory Repellents and Deterrents
Repellents work by targeting the deer’s sense of taste or smell, making the treated plants unappealing. Commercial repellents are categorized as either contact repellents, applied directly to the foliage, or area repellents, which are placed nearby to create an offensive odor barrier. Contact repellents are generally considered more effective because the deer must physically mouth the treated plant to encounter the deterrent.
Many of the most successful contact products contain putrescent whole egg solids, which emit a sulfurous odor that mimics the smell of a predator. Other active ingredients include thiram, a fungicide that acts as a taste repellent, and capsaicin, which causes a pain response. Area repellents, such as those containing bone tar oil or ammonium soaps of higher fatty acids, rely solely on scent to create an avoidance zone.
A major challenge with any repellent is that deer quickly become accustomed to them, a process known as habituation. To maintain effectiveness, it is necessary to rotate between different products that utilize varied active ingredients and modes of action. Repellents also require frequent reapplication, typically every two to four weeks, and immediately after heavy rainfall or during periods of rapid new growth.
Long-Term Landscape Management
Integrating long-term landscape strategies can significantly reduce the overall attractiveness of a property to deer. Selecting deer-resistant plants minimizes browsing pressure because deer will naturally seek out more palatable food sources first. Trees and shrubs with strong, pungent scents, such as boxwood and certain junipers, are often avoided. Deer also tend to avoid plants with rough, fuzzy, or prickly foliage, like barberry and Mahonia, as these textures are unpleasant to consume.
While many plants are labeled “deer-resistant,” it is important to remember that no plant is entirely deer-proof; a hungry deer will eat almost anything. The resistance level often depends on local deer density and the availability of preferred forage. Placing highly desirable trees and shrubs close to a home or within a small, fenced enclosure can concentrate protection efforts where they are most needed.
Additionally, removing alternative food sources can discourage deer from lingering in the area. This includes regularly picking up fallen fruit from orchard trees and ensuring bird seed is not easily accessible. By making the landscape less appealing for feeding and passage, property owners can reduce the likelihood of tree damage over time.