How to Keep Deer from Newly Planted Trees

Deer can cause significant damage to newly planted trees, as they will often mistake them for food or rub their antlers against them. If you live in an area with a high deer population, it is important to take measures to protect your young trees. Here are some effective strategies for keeping deer away from your newly planted trees.

1. Physical Barriers

The most effective way to protect your trees is to build physical barriers around them. This can be done using fencing, tree tubes, or hardware cloth. Fencing should be at least 6 feet tall and made of a sturdy material, such as metal or wood. Tree tubes are plastic sleeves that go around the tree trunk and are anchored into the ground. Hardware cloth is a metal mesh that can be wrapped around the trunk and secured with wire. All of these methods will keep deer from accessing the trees.

2. Repellents

Another way to keep deer away from your trees is to use repellents. Some people swear by homemade remedies, such as hanging bars of soap or cloth soaked in human hair around the trees. However, commercial deer repellents are also available and may be more effective. These repellents usually contain a strong odor that is unpleasant to deer or a taste that is unpalatable to them. Some repellents come in a spray form that can be applied directly to the tree.

3. Deer-Resistant Trees

Choosing deer-resistant trees can also be an effective strategy. These are trees that are less palatable to deer and less likely to be damaged by them. Some examples of deer-resistant trees include cedar, spruce, and fir. However, it is important to note that no tree is completely deer-proof, so it is still important to take precautions to protect them.

4. Scare Tactics

Finally, scare tactics can be used to keep deer away from your trees. This can include installing motion-activated sprinklers or using noise-making devices, such as air horns. Some people have also had success with using visual deterrents, such as hanging shiny objects or placing scarecrows near the trees. However, it is important to remember that these tactics may only be effective for a short period of time, as deer can become habituated to them over time.

In conclusion, there are many ways to protect your newly planted trees from deer damage. Physical barriers, repellents, choosing deer-resistant trees, and scare tactics can all be effective strategies. It is important to choose a method that will work best for your specific situation and to always monitor the trees for any damage.