How To Keep Deer From Eating Arborvitae In Winter

How to keep deer from eating arborvitae in winter starts with understanding why deer target these evergreens when food gets scarce.
 
Deer find arborvitae incredibly tasty and they will browse on them heavily once snow covers their usual food sources.
 
If you’ve noticed branches stripped bare or the foliage nibbled away, you’re not alone in asking how to keep deer from eating arborvitae in winter.
 
The good news is that there are several proven strategies that work well to protect your trees.
 
In this post we’ll explore the most effective methods so your arborvitae survive winter without becoming a deer buffet.
 

Why Deer Love Arborvitae and How to Keep Deer from Eating Arborvitae in Winter

When winter arrives, deer turn to arborvitae for a few key reasons.
 
Their tender foliage stays green and accessible even under light snow.
 
And arborvitae provide a decent nutritional value when other plants go dormant.
 
Understanding this helps you apply the right tactics to keep deer from eating arborvitae in winter.
 

1. Deer View Arborvitae as a Winter Emergency Food

Deer naturally browse on a wide variety of plants, but in winter their options shrink dramatically.
 
Arborvitae are one of the few evergreens that remain palatable and soft, so deer gravitate toward them.
 
If your yard is near wooded areas, deer pressure will be higher.
 
Knowing this behavior helps you know how to keep deer from eating arborvitae in winter more effectively.
 

2. The Damage Is Often Worse in Deep Snow

When snow piles up, deer can reach higher into the branches.
 
They may strip foliage from the lower half or even pull down entire branches.
 
That’s why learning how to keep deer from eating arborvitae in winter is critical before the first heavy snowfall.
 

Physical Barriers to Keep Deer from Eating Arborvitae in Winter

One of the most reliable ways to learn how to keep deer from eating arborvitae in winter is to block their access.
 
Physical barriers work because they stop deer from reaching the plants at all.
 

1. Use Deer Netting or Bird Netting Around Each Tree

Wrap a durable mesh netting around each arborvitae before winter sets in.
 
Choose netting with small openings so deer can’t poke their noses through.
 
Secure it tightly at the base and leave some slack near the top.
 
This simple barrier is one of the cheapest ways to keep deer from eating arborvitae in winter.
 

2. Install a Perimeter Fence Around Your Arborvitae Bed

A fence at least 7 to 8 feet tall will stop most deer from jumping over.
 
You can use plastic deer fencing, metal wire, or a combination.
 
Make sure the fence is tall enough because deer are excellent jumpers.
 
If you plant a whole row of arborvitae, fencing the entire bed is a long-term solution for how to keep deer from eating arborvitae in winter.
 

3. Use Tree Guards or Burlap Wraps

For individual young arborvitae, rigid plastic tree guards are effective.
 
Burlap wrapped around the trunk and lower branches also creates a physical barrier.
 
Just make sure the wrap isn’t too tight so air still circulates.
 
These localised protections contribute to how to keep deer from eating arborvitae in winter without fencing your whole yard.
 

Scent and Taste Deterrents to Keep Deer from Eating Arborvitae in Winter

If physical barriers aren’t an option, you can use smells and bad tastes to teach deer to stay away.
 
Consistency is key when using these methods to keep deer from eating arborvitae in winter.
 

1. Apply Commercial Deer Repellent Sprays

Look for repellents containing putrescent egg solids, garlic, or capsaicin.
 
Spray the arborvitae thoroughly before winter starts and after every heavy rain.
 
Reapply every few weeks as the scent fades.
 
This repeated application is a vital part of how to keep deer from eating arborvitae in winter.
 

2. Hang Scented Soap Bars or Human Hair Near the Trees

Some gardeners swear by hanging bars of strongly scented soap (like Irish Spring) near arborvitae.
 
Deer dislike the heavy fragrance and may avoid the area.
 
Similarly, placing bags of human hair clippings around the base can create a scent barrier.
 
These home remedies can help you on how to keep deer from eating arborvitae in winter on a budget.
 

3. Use Motion-Activated Sprinklers or Lights

Deer are skittish creatures, and unexpected water sprays can scare them off.
 
Set up motion-activated sprinklers aimed at the arborvitae.
 
The sudden burst of water teaches deer to avoid that area.
 
This approach works well as part of a broader plan to keep deer from eating arborvitae in winter.
 

Planting and Landscaping Choices That Help Keep Deer from Eating Arborvitae in Winter

Sometimes the best defense is a smart design of your landscape.
 
Certain plants and layout changes can naturally discourage deer from approaching your arborvitae.
 

1. Plant Unappealing Species Near Your Arborvitae

Deer dislike strongly aromatic plants like lavender, rosemary, or sage.
 
Planting these as a border around your arborvitae can create a natural deterrent.
 
The smell confuses deer and reduces their desire to browse.
 
This integrated method supports your main goal of how to keep deer from eating arborvitae in winter.
 

2. Choose Deer-Resistant Arborvitae Varieties

Not all arborvitae are equally tasty to deer.
 
Some cultivars, such as ‘Green Giant’ or ‘Art Boe’, are slightly less preferred.
 
While no arborvitae is completely deer-proof, tougher varieties can help.
 
Selecting these varieties is a proactive part of how to keep deer from eating arborvitae in winter.
 

So, How to Keep Deer from Eating Arborvitae in Winter?

How to keep deer from eating arborvitae in winter comes down to a combination of barriers, repellents, and smart planting.
 
Start with physical fencing or netting as your first line of defense.
 
Add scent or taste deterrents for extra protection during peak hunger months.
 
And consider adjusting your landscape to make your yard less inviting to deer.
 
No single method is 100% foolproof, but using several together greatly reduces damage.
 
Hopefully this guide has given you clear steps on how to keep deer from eating arborvitae in winter so your evergreens stay beautiful and healthy.