Do Deer Eat Newly Planted Balsam Fir Trees?

Balsam fir trees are often used for Christmas decorations and can also be grown for lumber. However, growing this tree species can be challenging for some because of their susceptibility to browsing from wildlife. In this article, we will focus on one specific question: do deer eat newly planted balsam fir trees?

Deer Browsing: A Common Problem

Deer browsing is a common problem for many tree growers, including those who are growing balsam fir trees. Deer tend to browse on the new shoots and leaves of trees, making them susceptible to damage and delaying their growth.

When growing balsam fir trees, it is especially important to protect them from deer browsing because they are slow-growing and cannot withstand heavy browsing. If deer are left unchecked, they can quickly destroy an entire tree plantation, leaving the grower with significant losses.

Deer and Balsam Fir Trees

So, do deer eat newly planted balsam fir trees? The answer is yes. Deer will browse on the new shoots and leaves of balsam fir trees, and if left unchecked, they can cause significant damage.

However, it is important to note that not all deer populations will browse on balsam fir trees. The severity of the browsing will depend on the deer population density, the availability of other food sources, and the time of year.

Protecting Balsam Fir Trees from Deer Browsing

Protecting balsam fir trees from deer browsing is critical to their survival and growth. There are several methods that growers can use to protect their trees:

Fencing - A sturdy fence can be put around the plantation to keep deer out.

Repellants - There are various commercial repellants available that can be sprayed on the trees to discourage deer browsing.

Netting - Netting can be used to cover individual trees to protect them from deer.

Planting strategies - Planting trees at higher densities or interspersing them with less palatable species can make them less attractive to deer.

It is important to remember that no method is entirely foolproof, and growers may need to experiment with different methods to find the best one for their specific situation.

Conclusion

Deer browsing is a common problem for those growing balsam fir trees. If left unchecked, deer can significantly damage or even destroy entire tree plantations, resulting in significant losses for growers. However, with the right protection methods in place, balsam fir trees can be successfully grown and harvested for their lumber or used as Christmas decorations.