Deer are a common presence in many landscapes, and while their appearance can be welcome, their feeding habits often cause significant damage to trees and ornamental plants. This damage typically occurs in two main ways: browsing, where deer consume buds, leaves, and tender shoots, and antler rubbing, which happens when male deer scrape their antlers against the bark, stripping the tree’s vascular system. Protecting vulnerable trees requires an integrated approach that combines physical barriers, repellents, and strategic planting choices to make your landscape less appealing. Persistence is necessary because deer are adaptable and will quickly exploit any weakness in a defense strategy.
Physical Barriers and Exclusion Methods
Physical exclusion remains the most reliable method for preventing deer damage because it completely removes the animal’s access to the plant. For perimeter protection, a fence must be at least eight feet tall to deter a determined adult deer. In uneven or heavily wooded terrain, a seven to eight-foot fence may be effective because the deer’s perception of a safe landing zone is compromised.
The material should be strong, such as woven wire or chain link, and secured tightly to the ground to prevent deer from pushing or crawling underneath. For a less visually intrusive option, fine black polypropylene mesh can be used, which is virtually invisible from a distance and requires less permanent support. Alternatively, a double fence system—two lower fences spaced several feet apart—confuses the deer’s depth perception, making them less likely to attempt the jump.
Individual young trees require direct protection as they are highly susceptible to damage. Tree tubes are plastic, cylindrical shelters placed around saplings to prevent both browsing and antler rubbing. These tubes should be at least six feet tall to protect the tree’s terminal growth.
For established young trees, trunk wraps made of plastic mesh or wire can be wrapped around the lower trunk to prevent a buck from rubbing his antlers and stripping the bark. Antler rubbing damage, occurring primarily from early fall into winter, destroys the tree’s cambium layer, which transports nutrients and water. Chicken wire or sturdy wire cages placed around the tree’s base offer robust protection and should be secured to stakes for stability.
Taste and Scent Repellents
Chemical repellents work by making the treated plant either taste unpleasant or smell alarming to the deer. Scent-based repellents often contain sulfurous odors, such as putrescent egg solids, which deer instinctively associate with a predator’s presence or decaying matter. These fear-inducing repellents have shown high effectiveness.
Taste-based products, which include ingredients like capsaicin (hot pepper), bone tar oil, or thiram, deter feeding after the deer takes an initial bite. While effective, the deer must first sample the plant to be repelled, meaning minor damage may occur. Some products combine both taste and odor deterrents for a dual layer of protection.
Proper application technique is important for these repellents to work. The product must be applied thoroughly to all vulnerable parts of the plant, especially new growth, which is more palatable to deer. Repellents degrade due to rain and sunlight, requiring reapplication every two to four weeks, or immediately after a heavy rain. Because deer can become accustomed to a single product, rotating between taste-based and odor-based repellents is a successful long-term strategy to prevent habituation.
Landscaping Choices and Habitat Modification
A proactive approach involves selecting plants that deer naturally avoid, reducing the attractiveness of the landscape as a food source. Deer-resistant species typically possess characteristics that make them unpalatable, such as a strong aromatic scent, a fuzzy or rough texture, or toxicity. Examples of trees that deer rarely damage include Ginkgo, Spruce, and American Holly, which often have sharp, spiny, or tough foliage.
It is important to understand that “deer-resistant” does not mean “deer-proof,” especially during times of high deer population or food scarcity. A hungry deer may eat almost any plant to survive, so relying solely on plant selection is not a complete solution. Plants that are heavily fertilized and watered can be especially appealing due to their lush, tender growth.
Removing fallen fruit and other high-value food sources near target trees can help reduce the incentive for deer to enter the area. For smaller, highly valued plants, strategic placement closer to human activity, such as near a house or a busy driveway, can provide protection. Deer are generally timid and prefer to feed in quieter, more secluded locations away from constant disturbance.
Scare Tactics and Sensory Deterrents
Methods that rely on startling deer are generally less effective than physical barriers, but they can provide temporary relief when used strategically. Motion-activated sprinklers are a popular choice, using a sudden burst of water and mechanical noise to startle the animal. The sensor detects movement up to 30 to 40 feet away, triggering the spray.
Other sensory deterrents include sudden noise devices or visual elements like reflective Mylar strips or old CDs hung from branches. The flashes of light and unexpected movement can confuse and briefly deter deer. However, deer are intelligent and quickly become accustomed to non-threatening, repetitive disturbances.
To maintain effectiveness, these sensory tools must be moved frequently, or the type of deterrent must be rotated so the deer cannot predict the stimulus. If a motion-activated device is left without variation, the deer will learn to tolerate the spray or ignore the noise, often within a few weeks. These methods are best used in conjunction with other controls or for short-term protection.