Protecting Landscape Plants from Deer Damage

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 3, 2009

This time of year, deer can cause major damage to landscape plants. During the fall, "antler rubbing" is the main damage. During the winter, "browsing" is a concern.

"Antler rubbing is done by males during the mating season," explains Duane Friend, University of Illinois Extension natural resources educator. "They typically select saplings approximately 5 years of age and older, often rubbing the entire circumference of the tree and causing early death of the plant."

"Browsing" refers to deer feeding on plants. Friend says the damage can be especially severe in winters with long-lasting snow cover. Damage can be more than 6 feet above ground level. Deer browsing is one of the primary plant damage concerns in both natural and residential areas. Since the average deer eats 6 to 8 pounds of plant material per day, landscape plants can sustain substantial injury or even death.

There are several options to lessen the potential plant damage.

"Deer like woodland edges," says Friend. "So, one way to lessen the damage is to have as much open area as possible between woodland edges and your landscape plants."

Another option is to include in your landscape some plants that deer don't like to eat. Plants such as boxwood, barberry and Colorado blue spruce are some options. Other plants that are seldom severely damaged include honey locust, red osier dogwood and Norway spruce.

Friend says repellents may help in small areas. They will not eliminate damage but may reduce it. A contact repellent works as a "taste" deterrent. Area repellents are "odor" deterrents. Repellents should be applied by mid-fall to early winter. Most repellents also need to be re-applied to extend their effectiveness.

Fencing is another method of protection. Wire or plastic mesh, electrified fence (vertical or slanted), and polywire options are available, based on deer pressure and the amount of protection desired.

For more information on deer damage control, visit our Living with Wildlife website at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/wildlife.