Do Deer Eat Giant Green Arborvitae

Yes, deer do eat giant green arborvitae.
 
If you’ve been wondering whether deer will target your giant green arborvitae, the short answer is yes, they absolutely will.
 
Deer eating giant green arborvitae is a common problem for many homeowners, especially during winter when food is scarce.
 
While arborvitae are not a deer’s top favorite, they are highly vulnerable to deer browsing when other options run out.
 
In this post, we’ll explore why deer eat giant green arborvitae, how to spot damage, and what you can do to protect your shrubs.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

Why Deer Eat Giant Green Arborvitae

Many people assume deer avoid arborvitae because of the strong scent, but that’s not the case.
 
Deer do eat giant green arborvitae, and here are the main reasons why.
 

1. Winter Food Scarcity Drives Deer to Arborvitae

During winter, natural food sources like grass and soft greens disappear under snow.
 
Deer then turn to evergreen shrubs, and giant green arborvitae becomes an easy target.
 
The dense foliage stays green all year, making it a visible and accessible food source.
 
So if you live in an area with heavy deer populations, your giant green arborvitae is at risk every cold season.
 

2. Arborvitae Foliage Is Palatable to Deer

While not as tasty as tender perennials, deer will eat the foliage of giant green arborvitae when hungry.
 
The leaves are soft and easy to pull, unlike tougher evergreens like juniper.
 
Deer often nibble the lower branches first, then work their way up as they get more desperate.
 
This pattern is a telltale sign that deer have been eating your giant green arborvitae.
 

3. Giant Green Arborvitae Offer Shelter and Convenience

Deer are smart foragers, and they learn where food is easy to reach.
 
A row of giant green arborvitae provides both food and cover from predators.
 
They can stand on their hind legs to reach higher branches, so no part of the shrub is safe.
 
That’s why deer eating giant green arborvitae often leaves a ragged, uneven look.
 

Signs That Deer Are Eating Your Giant Green Arborvitae

Knowing the signs early can help you take action before the damage becomes severe.
 

1. Ragged, Brown Branch Tips

When deer eat giant green arborvitae, they don’t cut cleanly like a pruner would.
 
Instead, they tear the branches, leaving jagged ends that turn brown within a few days.
 
If you see brown tips on the lower to mid sections of your arborvitae, deer are likely the culprits.
 

2. Missing Foliage in a V-Shaped Pattern

Deer frequently browse from the bottom up, creating a V-shaped gap where foliage is completely stripped.
 
This is a classic sign of deer damage on giant green arborvitae.
 
Check after snowfall or early spring for bare stems that used to be full of green leaves.
 

3. Deer Tracks, Droppings, or Rub Marks Nearby

Deer leave obvious traces around the shrubs they feed on.
 
Look for small, oval droppings and hoof prints in the soil or snow near your giant green arborvitae.
 
Sometimes bucks rub their antlers against the bark, which is another sign deer are visiting.
 

How to Protect Your Giant Green Arborvitae from Deer

If you’ve already seen deer eating your giant green arborvitae, don’t worry, there are effective solutions.
 

1. Install Physical Barriers Like Fencing

The most reliable way to stop deer from eating giant green arborvitae is to block their access.
 
A metal or plastic mesh fence placed around the shrub works well, especially if it’s at least 6 feet tall.
 
For individual shrubs, use wire cages or hardware cloth wrapped around the lower half.
 
Remove the fencing in spring after the threat passes so the plant can grow naturally.
 

2. Use Deer Repellents Consistently

Repellents can discourage deer from eating giant green arborvitae, but they require regular reapplication.
 
Choose a scent-based or taste-based repellent made with putrescent eggs, garlic, or predator urine.
 
Apply after rain or snow, and rotate between two different formulas to prevent deer from getting used to one smell.
 

3. Plant Deer-Resistant Companion Shrubs Nearby

If deer pressure is high, consider surrounding your giant green arborvitae with plants deer avoid.
 
Boxwood, barberry, and certain ornamental grasses are less appealing to deer.
 
This won’t stop deer completely, but it can make your arborvitae less of a target.
 

4. Try Motion-Activated Sprinklers or Lights

Deer are skittish animals, and sudden water or bright light can scare them away.
 
Place a motion-activated sprinkler near your giant green arborvitae to startle deer when they approach.
 
Combined with other methods, this creates a multi-layered defense that keeps deer from returning.
 

So, Do Deer Eat Giant Green Arborvitae?

Yes, deer do eat giant green arborvitae, especially during winter when other food is scarce.
 
The damage can range from light nibbling on lower branches to severe stripping that weakens the plant.
 
But by identifying the signs early and using a combination of fencing, repellents, and deterrents, you can protect your shrubs.
 
Don’t wait until you see bare brown branches, take action now to keep your giant green arborvitae safe from hungry deer.
 
Hopefully this post has answered your question about whether deer eat giant green arborvitae and given you practical tips to prevent it.