Privet (Ligustrum species) is a genus of shrubs popular among homeowners for creating dense, fast-growing hedges and privacy screens. The plant’s ability to tolerate heavy pruning and thrive in a variety of soil conditions has made it a common fixture in residential landscapes. However, as suburban development encroaches on natural habitats, gardeners are increasingly concerned about white-tailed deer browsing.
The Deer Resistance Reality Check
Privet is generally classified as moderately to highly deer resistant. This resistance is largely due to the plant’s chemical defense mechanisms. The leaves and berries contain mildly toxic compounds called glycosides, which give the foliage a bitter or unpleasant taste that grazers find distasteful.
The Rutgers University deer resistance rating system, a widely referenced resource, often places privet in the “Seldom Severely Damaged” category. This designation indicates that while the plant is not a preferred food, it is not completely immune to browsing. Deer tend to seek out plants with softer, more palatable foliage, making privet a secondary or tertiary food choice.
Factors Influencing Deer Browsing
Specific environmental conditions can override a deer’s natural aversion to the plant. The most common trigger for browsing is food scarcity, particularly during the late winter and early spring months. When preferred food sources are dormant or consumed, deer will opportunistically target less desirable plants like privet to meet their nutritional needs.
Plant maturity also plays a role in vulnerability, as deer frequently target the tender, succulent new growth rather than the mature, woody stems. This soft, newly emerged foliage often has a higher water and nutrient content. Additionally, local factors such as an unusually high deer population density can increase browsing pressure, compelling animals to eat whatever is available to them.
Protecting Existing Privet Plants
Several practical strategies can minimize the risk of deer damage. Physical barriers offer the most reliable form of protection, though they must be substantial to be effective. Since deer are capable of jumping quite high, a permanent exclusion fence should be at least eight feet tall to completely deter them from entering a garden area.
For individual shrubs or newly planted hedges, temporary physical barriers are a more manageable option. Wrapping the plants in burlap or installing plastic netting can create a physical shield, especially during the winter months when food is scarce. This visual and textural obstruction discourages deer from attempting to browse the foliage.
Chemical repellents can also be used as a deterrent, but they require consistent reapplication. Repellents work by using offensive odors or tastes. To maintain effectiveness, these sprays must be reapplied every four to five weeks, or immediately after heavy rain, as the active ingredients wash away. Gardeners should also employ a rotation strategy, switching between two or three different types of repellents to prevent deer from becoming accustomed to a single deterrent.
Alternative Deer-Resistant Hedges
Several shrubs offer a higher degree of deer resistance. Boxwood (Buxus species) is an excellent choice, as its foliage contains alkaloids that are highly distasteful to grazers. The plant’s small, dense, and leathery leaves also contribute to its generally unappetizing nature.
Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra) is a native evergreen that is widely bypassed by deer. Certain varieties of Cherry-Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), such as the ‘Schipkaensis’ cultivar, are also reliably ignored due to the texture or chemical composition of their leaves. Shrubs with sharp textures, like Pyracantha (Firethorn), use physical defenses to deter browsing, as the plant’s long, sharp thorns make it an uncomfortable meal for any animal.