Deer often cause significant damage to trees, particularly during the fall rutting season. Bucks rub their antlers against tree trunks to remove the velvet covering and to mark their territory. This action scrapes away the bark, damaging the underlying cambium layer and the vascular tissue, or phloem, which transports nutrients. If the damage encircles the entire trunk, a process called girdling occurs, which interrupts the tree’s ability to move nutrients, resulting in the tree’s death. Protecting the trunks of young, vulnerable trees is a straightforward measure to prevent this specific, fatal type of injury.
Direct Trunk Guards and Wraps
Applying a physical barrier directly to the trunk is one of the most reliable ways to prevent antler rub damage. Young trees, especially those with smooth bark and a trunk diameter between one and six inches, are the most susceptible targets for bucks. The protective material must be high enough to deter rubbing, which generally occurs between one and five feet above the ground.
A common solution is a cage constructed from sturdy hardware cloth or wire mesh. The cage should be placed a few inches away from the trunk to allow for future growth and anchored into the soil so deer cannot push it aside. Ready-made plastic tree guards, often available as spiral wraps or corrugated tubes, are also effective and easy to install.
For smaller trees, the guard should extend to a height of at least 4.5 to 5 feet, which is adequate given the average shoulder height of an adult white-tailed deer. Any trunk guard must be slightly wider than the tree itself to ensure proper air circulation and prevent moisture buildup, which could encourage fungal growth or insect infestation. Burlap wraps offer less protection and are less durable than wire cages or heavy-duty plastic guards against the forceful rubbing action of antlers.
Area Exclusion Fencing
Implementing fencing that excludes deer from a larger area is a highly effective, long-term solution for protecting multiple trees. For permanent exclusion, the fence must be a minimum of 7 to 8 feet tall, as deer are capable of jumping considerable heights. An 8-foot height ensures reliable deterrence in areas with high deer pressure.
Alternative fencing strategies can be used if an 8-foot fence is not feasible. One method involves creating a double-row fence using a lower height, such as two parallel 4-foot fences spaced about five feet apart. This design exploits the deer’s poor depth perception, making them unwilling to attempt the jump into the confined space. Temporary electric fencing, using materials like polywire or tape, can also provide a psychological barrier.
Electric fences operate on the principle of conditioning, where initial contact with the charged wire discourages future attempts to cross. These fences require more frequent maintenance than solid woven-wire exclusion fences and may be less effective if deer are accustomed to feeding in the area. For individual trees, a simple, four-foot-high circular enclosure with a diameter of four feet can prevent deer from getting close enough to rub.
Repellent Applications
Repellents use sensory deterrents, typically utilizing a foul taste or unpleasant odor, to discourage deer from approaching trees. Odor-based repellents often contain putrescent egg solids, which mimic the scent of a decaying protein and trigger instinctive avoidance.
Taste-based repellents include ingredients like Thiram (a fungicide) or capsaicin (found in hot peppers). Another option is a repellent containing ammonium soaps of higher fatty acids, registered for use on edible plants. The major limitation of all repellents is their reliance on frequent reapplication, especially after rainfall or when new growth emerges.
During the fall rut, when the motivation for bucks to rub their antlers is high, the effectiveness of chemical repellents is significantly reduced compared to physical barriers. Repellents generally provide protection for only four to twelve weeks, depending on the formulation and weather conditions. To maximize success, repellents must be applied before damage begins and maintained consistently, requiring reapplication every two to four weeks.