So deer have carved their way into your arborvitae (Thuja spp. and cvs., Zones 2–8), rhododendron (Rhododendron spp. and cvs., Zones 3–11), or yew (Taxus spp. and cvs., Zones 5–8). This is an all-too-common sight that many gardeners have encountered at least once or twice, and it can be a devastating setback. Is there anything you can do to help a plant recover from this? How can you prevent further damage? And how do you know when to just throw in the towel? The answer depends on the plant.
Some Plants Recover and Some Don’t
Some broadleaf evergreens such as rhododendrons, hollies (Ilex spp. and cvs., Zones 5–9), and boxwoods (Buxus spp. and cvs., Zones 4–9) are tolerant of heavy pruning. This resilience often means that they can bounce back after browsing by deer. You can wait for browsed sections to regrow, or research how much cutting back your plant can take and shape the rest of the plant accordingly to disguise damaged sections. But regrowth can be even more tasty and tempting and must be protected from further munching.
Conifers are less likely to bounce back, with some exceptions, such as yews, which can regrow even from bare branches. Arborvitaes can recover from deer browsing in time if the damage is minor and there are still green leaves on the wood, but if the branches are bare, they will likely stay that way. Similar to broadleaf evergreens, some shaping and pruning of these plants can help disguise damage and promote new growth.
Conifers are less likely to bounce back, with some exceptions, such as yews, which can regrow even from bare branches. Arborvitaes can recover from deer browsing in time if the damage is minor and there are still green leaves on the wood, but if the branches are bare, they will likely stay that way. Similar to broadleaf evergreens, some shaping and pruning of these plants can help disguise damage and promote new growth.
Protect plants from further damage
Physical barriers, such as burlap or deer fencing, can keep deer away from prized plants, but they may obscure the aesthetic effect of your evergreens. The most efficient physical deterrent, cost permitting, would be to completely fence in your garden. A common mistake gardeners make is installing a fence around their property that is too short. A fence needs to be at least 8 feet tall to keep deer out.
Deterrent sprays can work if reapplied regularly. If your area has an organic deer-resistant-spray service, sign up. Many of these services work wonders if applied one to two times per month and are often more effective than store-bought sprays that you would apply yourself since they are more rain resistant. Eventually, the herd will move on to a tastier landscape.
| Tip |
Protect Your Evergreens from Buck Rub
: Prior to breeding season in fall, bucks rub their antlers against trees, which can strip bark in a vertical pattern. If buck rub encircles them completely, those trees will likely die. There are specific tapes you can use to protect previously targeted trees. You can also cut off lengths of corrugated drainage pipe and put them around the trunks. Use these protective measures from early fall until spring.
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