So deer have been carved into your arborvitae (thuja spp. and cvs., Zones 2–8), rhododendron (rhododendron spp. and cvs., zones 3–11), or yew (yew 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 further damage be avoided? And how do you know when you just have to 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 boxwood (boxwood spp. and cvs., zones 4-9) are tolerant of heavy pruning. This resilience often means they can bounce back after being browsed by deer. You can either wait for the scanned sections to grow back or research how much you can cut back your plant and shape the rest of the plant accordingly to disguise the damaged sections. But the growth can be even more tasty and tempting and must be protected from more food.
conifers they are less likely to recover, 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 are likely to stay that way. Similar to broadleaf evergreens, some shaping and pruning of these plants can help disguise damage and promote new growth.
conifers they are less likely to recover, 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 are likely to 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 barrierssuch as burlap or deer fences, can keep deer away from prized plants, but can obscure the aesthetic effect of your evergreens. The most efficient physical deterrent, if costs allow, would be to enclose your yard entirely. A common mistake gardeners make is installing a fence around their property that is too short. A fence must be at least 8 feet tall to keep deer out.
Deterrent aerosols it can work if reapplied regularly. If your area has an organic deer spray service, sign up. Many of these services work wonders if applied once or twice a month and are often more effective than store bought sprays that you would apply yourself as they are more resistant to rain. Eventually, the herd will move on to a more palatable landscape.
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Protect your evergreens from Buck Rub
: Before breeding season in the fall, bucks rub their antlers against trees, which can strip the bark in a vertical pattern. If the scrub completely surrounds them, these trees will probably die. There are specific tapes you can use to protect pre-oriented trees. You can also cut pieces of corrugated drainage pipe and put them around the logs. Use these protective measures from early fall through spring.
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