Dealing with Deer

Damage by deer can be identified by the jagged or torn surface on twigs or stems that they browse compared to the clean-cut surface left by rabbits or rodents.  There are many ways to manage your deer problems, but remember there are seldom quick solutions.  The key is persistence.

First, don’t feed the deer or any wildlife.  You are only inviting them into the area and your backyard will become a grand buffet. 

Individual tree protectors of woven wire, plastic cylinders, plastic netting or plastic wrap can be useful for protecting young trees. 

Repellents are best suited for use in orchards and gardens because they can be expensive and have limitations on use.  Contact repellents can be applied directly to trees during dormant periods; they make the plants taste bad.  Area repellents can be applied near plants; they repel deer by odor.  Deer-Away, Hinder, Thiram, Ro-pel are some examples of repellents.  Many people tie bars of soap to trees.  Each bar protects about one square meter.

Selecting plants that are less preferred by deer can reduce the amount of damage. Our customers tell us that deer in this area love Yews and Arborvitae. Below is a list of plants and their susceptibility to damage.

Rarely Damaged: Barberry, Boxwood, Birch. American Holly. Blue Spruce, Dogwood, Hawthorn, Forsythia, Honey Locust, Inkberry, Chinese Holly, Spruce, Pine, Willow, Lilac, Wisteria

Listed among the plants that are often severely damaged are:  Fraser Fir, Norway Maple, Redbud, Burning bush, Fruit trees, Azaleas, Tea Roses, Yews and Arborvitae.