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Yes, deer do eat giant arborvitae.
Deer are known to browse on a wide variety of plants, and giant arborvitae is no exception.
If you have giant arborvitae in your landscape, you might be wondering how often deer will target them.
The truth is that deer eating giant arborvitae is a common problem, especially in areas with high deer populations.
In this post, we’ll explore why deer eat giant arborvitae, how to protect your giant arborvitae from deer, and what factors influence whether deer will bother your trees.
Let’s dive into the details so you can keep your giant arborvitae safe from hungry deer.
Giant arborvitae is a particular favorite for deer due to its evergreen nature.
Why Deer Eat Giant Arborvitae
1. Giant Arborvitae Provides Year-Round Nutrition for Deer
Deer eat giant arborvitae because it offers green foliage even in winter.
Unlike deciduous plants that lose their leaves, giant arborvitae remains available through cold months.
This makes giant arborvitae a reliable food source when deer need it most.
Deer will browse on the tender tips of branches, which are high in moisture and nutrients.
So if you have giant arborvitae, deer will likely eat it during winter.
Deer will strip the lower branches of giant arborvitae if left unprotected.
2. Deer Are Attracted to the Taste of Giant Arborvitae
The foliage of giant arborvitae has a mild flavor that deer find appealing.
Deer eating giant arborvitae often come back for more because they enjoy the taste.
In fact, giant arborvitae is one of the first plants deer target in gardens.
If there are other food sources, deer may still choose giant arborvitae due to its palatability.
This palatability makes giant arborvitae a prime target for deer.
3. Giant Arborvitae Serves as Both Food and Cover for Deer
Deer use giant arborvitae for shelter from weather and predators.
When they hide among the dense branches, they often nibble on the lower foliage.
This is why you might notice deer eating giant arborvitae from the bottom up.
The combination of food and cover makes giant arborvitae a hotspot for deer activity.
You might find deer eating giant arborvitae even during the day if they feel safe.
4. Deer Population Pressure Increases Browsing on Giant Arborvitae
In areas with many deer, competition for food forces deer to eat giant arborvitae more frequently.
When natural food is scarce, deer turn to ornamental plants like giant arborvitae.
Thus, the question “do deer eat giant arborvitae?” is more likely to be yes in suburban settings.
High deer density means your giant arborvitae is at greater risk.
Be aware that deer populations can fluctuate, so monitor your area.
How to Protect Giant Arborvitae from Deer
1. Install Physical Barriers Around Giant Arborvitae
The most reliable method to stop deer eating giant arborvitae is physical fencing.
Install a fence at least 8 feet tall, as deer can jump high.
You can use wire mesh or polypropylene netting around each giant arborvitae.
Fencing is especially important during winter when deer are most hungry.
For young giant arborvitae, individual tree cages work well.
Remember that deer are persistent, so make your barrier sturdy.
2. Use Deer Repellents on Giant Arborvitae
Commercial repellents can deter deer from eating giant arborvitae.
Look for products containing putrescent egg solids or predator urine.
Spray your giant arborvitae thoroughly, covering all reachable foliage.
Reapply after rain or heavy dew to maintain effectiveness.
Rotate between different repellent types to prevent deer from getting used to one.
Always follow the label instructions for best results.
3. Employ Scare Tactics Around Giant Arborvitae
Scare devices like motion-activated sprinklers can startle deer away from giant arborvitae.
Deer are cautious animals, so unexpected noise or water can keep them at bay.
However, deer may become accustomed to scare tactics over time.
Combine scare devices with other methods for better protection of your giant arborvitae.
Using a combination of scare tactics can increase their effectiveness.
4. Plant Deer-Resistant Companions Near Giant Arborvitae
Surround your giant arborvitae with plants that deer dislike.
Lavender, rosemary, and other aromatic herbs can mask the scent of giant arborvitae.
Deer may avoid the area if they find less appealing plants first.
This is a passive way to reduce deer eating giant arborvitae without direct intervention.
This method works best when combined with other strategies.
Factors That Influence Whether Deer Eat Giant Arborvitae
1. Seasonal Food Availability
Deer eat giant arborvitae more in winter when other food is scarce.
In spring and summer, deer have acorns, berries, and grasses to eat.
During these seasons, deer may ignore giant arborvitae unless other options are depleted.
However, late fall and early spring are still high-risk times for giant arborvitae.
Understanding seasonal patterns helps you prepare for deer eating giant arborvitae.
2. Local Deer Population Density
If you live in an area with many deer, your giant arborvitae is more likely to be eaten.
Urban and suburban deer populations are often dense due to lack of hunting.
In such areas, deer will eat giant arborvitae because natural food is limited.
Conversely, rural areas with ample forest may see less deer damage to giant arborvitae.
Check with local wildlife agencies to gauge deer numbers in your area.
3. Age and Health of the Giant Arborvitae
Young giant arborvitae with soft foliage are more vulnerable to deer.
Deer prefer tender growth, so they eat giant arborvitae saplings readily.
Mature giant arborvitae have tougher leaves that deer may avoid.
But even large giant arborvitae can be damaged by deer rubbing antlers during rut.
Protect young giant arborvitae with cages until they mature.
4. Proximity to Deer Bedding Areas
If your giant arborvitae is near a deer trail or bedding spot, deer will eat it more.
Deer are creatures of habit and will browse on convenient plants.
Placing giant arborvitae close to woods or water sources increases risk.
Understanding deer behavior helps you anticipate whether they’ll eat your giant arborvitae.
If possible, relocate vulnerable plants away from deer paths.
So, Do Deer Eat Giant Arborvitae?
Yes, deer do eat giant arborvitae.
Deer eating giant arborvitae is a common issue for many homeowners.
But with the right strategies, you can protect your giant arborvitae from deer.
Fencing, repellents, and companion planting can all reduce the risk of deer eating giant arborvitae.
Remember that deer will eat giant arborvitae especially in winter or when food is scarce.
By being proactive, you can enjoy your giant arborvitae without worrying about deer damage.
Take action now to safeguard your landscape investment.