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Deer do like arborvitae shrubs, and that can be a real problem for gardeners.
If you’ve planted arborvitae in your landscape, you’ve probably wondered if deer like arborvitae shrubs enough to damage them.
The short answer is yes, deer find arborvitae quite palatable, especially during winter when other food sources are scarce.
Understanding why deer like arborvitae shrubs and when they’re most at risk is key to protecting your plants.
In this post, we’ll explore what makes arborvitae so attractive to deer and how you can keep your shrubs safe.
Let’s dive in.
Why Do Deer Like Arborvitae Shrubs?
Deer are drawn to arborvitae for several reasons, and knowing these helps you plan your defenses.
1. Arborvitae Offer Winter Food When Options Are Limited
When snow covers the ground and other plants go dormant, deer still need to eat.
Arborvitae keep their green foliage all year, making them a visible and accessible food source.
Deer like arborvitae shrubs because the soft, evergreen needles are easier to digest than dry twigs.
This is why winter damage is so common—deer turn to arborvitae as a survival meal.
2. The Foliage Is Tender and Nutritious
Unlike some conifers with tough, prickly needles, arborvitae have flat, scale-like leaves that are soft to the touch.
Deer find these leaves appealing because they’re low in fiber and contain essential moisture.
In fact, a hungry deer will browse arborvitae right down to the woody stems if given the chance.
This explains why so many homeowners ask, “Do deer like arborvitae shrubs?” and report finding half-eaten plants the next morning.
3. Deer Learn Quickly Where to Find Reliable Food
Once a deer discovers an arborvitae shrub in your yard, it will remember that spot.
Deer have excellent spatial memory and often revisit the same plants repeatedly.
If your neighborhood has a high deer population, your arborvitae can become a regular feeding station.
That’s why it’s crucial to act early before deer develop a habit of eating your shrubs.
When Are Arborvitae Most Attractive to Deer?
Timing matters a lot when it comes to deer damage on arborvitae.
1. Late Winter and Early Spring Are Peak Seasons
By late winter, natural food sources like acorns, berries, and grasses are depleted.
Deer become desperate and will eat almost anything green they can find.
Arborvitae shrubs stand out because they maintain their color while everything else is gray or brown.
During this period, deer like arborvitae even more than usual because there’s simply nothing else available.
2. After a Heavy Snowfall, Risk Increases
Deep snow covers low-growing plants, forcing deer to reach for taller shrubs.
Arborvitae with their upright growth habit are easy targets when snow piles up.
Deer will eat arborvitae foliage as high as they can stand on their hind legs.
If you notice damage only on the lower branches, that’s a clear sign deer are the culprits.
3. New Growth in Spring Is Especially Tempting
When arborvitae push out fresh, bright green shoots in the spring, deer find them irresistible.
This tender new growth is high in protein and easy to bite off.
Do deer like arborvitae shrubs during this time? Absolutely—they’ll seek it out above many other plants.
Protecting your shrubs in spring is just as important as in winter.
How to Protect Arborvitae from Deer
You don’t have to give up on growing arborvitae just because deer like them.
1. Use Physical Barriers Like Fencing or Netting
The most effective way to stop deer is to block their access entirely.
A tall fence (at least 8 feet) around your arborvitae is the gold standard.
If fencing isn’t practical, wrap individual shrubs with deer netting or burlap for the winter.
This keeps deer from reaching the foliage while still letting light and air through.
2. Apply Deer Repellents Regularly
Scent-based or taste-based repellents can make arborvitae less appealing to deer.
Look for products containing putrescent egg solids, garlic, or capsaicin.
A crucial tip: reapply after rain or heavy snow because the smell fades over time.
Rotate repellents every few weeks so deer don’t become accustomed to one scent.
3. Choose Repellent Plants to Create a Buffer Zone
Deer avoid many strongly scented or fuzzy plants like lavender, sage, and lamb’s ear.
Plant these around your arborvitae to create a natural deterrent border.
While not foolproof, this strategy can reduce the chance that deer will approach your shrubs.
Combining repellent plants with other methods gives you the best protection.
So, Do Deer Like Arborvitae Shrubs?
Yes, deer do like arborvitae shrubs, and they will eat them whenever the opportunity arises.
Hungry deer find arborvitae particularly appealing during winter and early spring when food is scarce.
The tender evergreen foliage provides nutrition and moisture that deer need to survive.
However, with proper planning you can enjoy arborvitae in your landscape without losing them to deer.
Use physical barriers, repellents, and strategic companion planting to keep your shrubs safe.
Understanding why deer like arborvitae shrubs is the first step toward protecting your investment.