Arborvitae trees are adorned by property owners be it for their beauty, or the privacy that they add. The evergreen glow of arborvitae trees is comforting, but deer cannot seem to leave these gorgeous trees alone, especially during the dead of winter when food is harder to come by.
Here are ways to keep deer from snacking on your beloved arborvitae trees. Decide for yourself, which is the most cost effective and aesthetically pleasing method of protecting your arborvitae trees. You may discover that planting a whole different type of tree will work better for you.
Use deer repellent
Repellent sprays are typically a cost effective way of preventing deer from feeding on your trees. The most effective repellent is one that contains eggs since deer cannot stand the smell. If you would rather try a DIY repellent, a good one to try is to hang a bar of soap or a dryer sheet up high in the tree. The smell is rather pungent to deer, so they will go searching for food elsewhere.
You can also try to make your own DIY repellent by mixing eggs, garlic powder, and water. Using a spray bottle, apply repellents every 4-8 weeks, and immediately after it rains or snows. However, if the temperatures are below freezing, the repellent may not be as effective. If that is the case, try one of the methods listed below.
Use netting, burlap or mesh
Sometimes, a physical barrier is what it may take to protect your arborvitae trees from deer. The good thing about using a wrap around your trees is that once you wrap them, they are protected all season long! Netting, burlap or mesh can be purchased from your local hardware store that has a plant nursery. By wrapping your trees, there is no need for reapplying sprays or repellents. The only downside is aesthetics – you may not want to see your trees wrapped upwards of 8 feet high! If you do choose to wrap your trees, just be sure to remove the wrapping come spring so that your trees can breathe again.
Plant deer-resistant arborvitaes instead
If you would rather avoid the hassle of protecting your arborvitaes from deer, opt to plant deer-resistant ones instead. Deer tend not to bother Western arborvitaes such as the green giant, spring grove or steeplechase varieties. However, keep in mind that if deer become desperate enough, they will eat almost any arborvitaes. If deer become a nuisance in your yard, you may consider doing away with your arborvitaes and plant boxwoods, spruce, holly bushes or viburnum instead.
Promier Tree has arborists on staff with all the training and experience to handle any tree-related issue or emergency you might experience. We can have your trees ready for the upcoming winter to ensure the safety of your property and your home. Schedule an initial consultation today by calling our office at (423) 765-2626.
Promier Tree serves the areas of Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport, TN.