Protecting young trees from white-tailed deer is a routine challenge for landowners. Newly planted trees, especially those with tender bark and accessible foliage, are susceptible to animal-related damage. Proactive protection measures are necessary from planting until the trunk and canopy are fully established. Implementing a strategic approach to deer management increases a tree’s likelihood of reaching full maturity.
Understanding How Deer Damage Young Trees
Deer inflict two distinct types of damage that necessitate different protective solutions. The first is browsing, where deer feed on terminal buds, leaves, and tender shoots. This activity occurs throughout the year but becomes more frequent in late fall and winter when natural food sources are scarce. Browsing sets back the vertical growth of the tree, creating a ragged, torn appearance since deer lack upper incisor teeth and must pull the plant material to consume it.
The second form of damage is rubbing, typically performed by male deer (bucks). This occurs in late summer and fall as bucks scrape their antlers against the trunk to remove velvet and mark territory before the breeding season. Rubbing removes the bark and damages the vascular tissue beneath, specifically the xylem and phloem, which transport water and nutrients. If this damage completely girdles the trunk, it interrupts the flow of resources, often leading to the death of the young tree.
Implementing Physical Barrier Systems
Physical barriers are considered the most reliable method for protecting individual young trees because they offer complete exclusion.
Tree Tubes
For small seedlings, tree tubes or shelters provide vertical protection and encourage rapid upward growth. These tubes should be five to six feet tall to prevent deer from browsing the terminal bud. Anchor the tube to a sturdy stake and ensure the base is kept slightly above the soil line to prevent rodents from nesting inside the shelter.
Wire Cages
For protecting larger saplings from both browsing and rubbing, a wire cage or cylinder is an effective solution. This barrier should be constructed of sturdy mesh, such as welded wire, and secured at least six feet high. The cage diameter must maintain a minimum distance of two to three feet from the trunk on all sides to prevent deer from reaching foliage. The cage must be firmly staked to the ground to prevent deer from pushing it aside.
Temporary Fencing
When protecting a cluster of young trees or a larger area, temporary fencing provides a broader defensive perimeter. This exclusion fence must be seven to eight feet high to be effective, as deer are capable jumpers. The installation should include a bottom wire or be secured flush with the ground to prevent deer from crawling underneath the barrier. A well-installed perimeter fence, while more labor-intensive initially, offers comprehensive protection against all forms of deer damage.
Utilizing Repellents and Deterrents
Repellents offer a secondary layer of protection, categorized by their mechanism of action.
Taste-Based Repellents
Taste-based repellents contain ingredients like putrescent egg solids or animal proteins applied directly to the foliage deer might browse. These chemical compounds make the plant unpalatable, discouraging browsing. Commercial products are highly effective, with some studies showing a protection index near that of a physical fence.
Scent- and Fear-Based Repellents
Scent- and fear-based repellents work by emitting odors that suggest the presence of a predator or are offensive to the deer. Products using dried bloodmeal or synthetic coyote urine are sprayed nearby or hung from branches to create an area deer prefer to avoid. These methods are designed to repel the deer before they approach the tree.
Repellents are not a permanent solution and require frequent reapplication. They must be reapplied every three to four weeks, especially after heavy rainfall or when new growth emerges. Deer are adaptable and can become habituated to a single repellent over time. To maintain effectiveness, it is often necessary to rotate between different products that utilize varied active ingredients and repulsive mechanisms.
Seasonal Maintenance and Long-Term Protection
Protection is a multi-year commitment, requiring careful seasonal timing. Protective barriers against rubbing should be in place before late summer, as the onset of the fall rutting season signals the beginning of antler scraping activity. Annual inspection is necessary to check the integrity of the barriers and prevent unintended damage.
The protective devices must be monitored for signs of constriction as the trunk grows in diameter. Ties, wires, or tree tubes can begin to girdle the tree if they are not loosened or removed in time. Tree tubes should be removed once the trunk is robust enough to support itself, typically after three to five years, depending on the tree species and growth rate.
Removing the barrier prematurely exposes the tender bark and foliage to browsing or rubbing damage. Conversely, leaving the barrier on too long can trap moisture, potentially leading to bark rot, or cause the tree to become top-heavy and weak without the support of the tube. Careful monitoring and timely adjustment of the protective structure are crucial for transitioning the young tree to independent growth.