This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Deer do like arborvitae trees, and that can be a real headache for homeowners.
If you’ve planted these evergreens and noticed nibbled branches or stripped bark, you’ve seen the evidence firsthand.
Deer find arborvitae trees appealing because they offer tender foliage and a convenient snack, especially in winter when other food is scarce.
In this post, we’ll explore why deer like arborvitae trees, how much damage they can cause, and what you can do to protect your landscaping.
Let’s dig into the details of this common garden challenge.
Why Deer Like Arborvitae Trees
Deer like arborvitae trees for several reasons that make them a prime target.
1. Soft, Tender Foliage Is Irresistible
Arborvitae trees have soft, scale-like leaves that are easy for deer to chew and digest.
During late fall and winter, when grasses and other plants die back, these evergreens stay green and palatable.
Deer are drawn to the fresh growth because it’s less fibrous and more nutritious than many other options.
That’s why even well-established arborvitae trees can become a regular stop on a deer’s daily route.
2. Deer Need Shelter and Food Combined
Arborvitae trees provide dense cover that deer use for bedding and hiding from predators.
When deer like arborvitae trees, they’re not just after a meal—they’re also looking for a safe place to rest.
The same branches that offer protection also give them easy access to a snack.
This dual purpose makes arborvitae a double attraction for deer throughout the year.
3. Winter Starvation Pushes Deer to Arborvitae
In deep snow, deer struggle to find enough food to survive.
Arborvitae trees stay above the snow line and retain their leaves, so deer rely on them heavily.
If you live in an area with harsh winters, deer like arborvitae trees even more because they’re one of the few green plants left.
This seasonal desperation can lead to severe damage on even the largest arborvitae trees.
How Much Damage Can Deer Cause to Arborvitae Trees?
Deer like arborvitae trees enough to cause serious harm if left unchecked.
1. They Eat the Leaves and Small Branches
Deer strip the lower foliage first, leaving bare stems that look ragged.
Once that’s gone, they reach higher and pull down branches to get at the tender tips.
Repeated feeding weakens the tree and can stunt its growth permanently.
If deer like arborvitae trees year after year, the entire tree may become thin and unsightly.
2. Bucks Rub Antlers on the Trunks
Male deer rub their antlers against tree trunks to remove velvet and mark territory.
Arborvitae’s soft bark is easily damaged by this rubbing, which can girdle the trunk and kill the tree.
When deer like arborvitae trees for both eating and rubbing, the damage multiplies fast.
3. Young Trees Are Most Vulnerable
Newly planted arborvitae trees have small root systems and few leaves to recover from browsing.
Deer can eat the entire top of a young tree, killing it in one feeding session.
That’s why protecting young trees is critical—deer like arborvitae trees at all stages, but the smaller ones are easiest to destroy.
How to Protect Arborvitae Trees From Deer
Because deer like arborvitae trees so much, proactive measures are your best defense.
1. Install Physical Barriers
The most reliable way to stop damage is to fence off individual trees or the entire yard.
Use deer netting or wire cages around each arborvitae, especially during winter.
Make sure the barrier is tall enough (at least 6–8 feet) because deer can jump high.
Wrapping the trunk with tree guards also protects against antler rubbing.
2. Apply Deer Repellents Regularly
Scent-based repellents (like predator urine or putrescent egg solids) can deter deer temporarily.
Spray these on arborvitae trees every few weeks and after rain for best results.
Taste repellents make the foliage bitter so deer stop eating after one bite.
Rotate between different types to keep deer from getting used to one smell.
3. Plant Deer-Resistant Alternatives Nearby
While deer like arborvitae trees, they avoid many other plants like boxwood, juniper, or holly.
Intersperse these less palatable shrubs around your arborvitae beds to create a buffer.
This won’t stop a hungry deer, but it can reduce pressure on your prized evergreens.
4. Remove Attractants From Your Property
If deer like arborvitae trees, they’ll come for any food source nearby.
Keep bird feeders away from the trees and clean up fallen fruit or nuts.
Motion-activated lights or sprinklers can startle deer and train them to avoid the area.
So, Do Deer Like Arborvitae Trees?
Yes, deer do like arborvitae trees, especially during fall and winter when alternative food is scarce.
Their soft foliage, dense shelter, and year-round availability make them a top choice for browsing deer.
But with the right barriers, repellents, and landscape planning, you can enjoy arborvitae trees without constant damage.
We hope this post helps you understand why deer like arborvitae trees and how to keep your garden safe.