As winter descends upon the picturesque landscapes of Pennsylvania, one annual vexation troubles arborists and homeowners alike — deer that damage trees. Yes, those seemingly placid, doe-eyed creatures that add a touch of wilderness to your backyard have a notorious penchant for dining on your beloved trees.

Instead of grappling with the infuriating aftermath of gnawed bark, stripped stems, and mangled branches, why not prepare some tree protection from deer? As the go-to tree service in West Chester, PA, our team at Rick’s PHC Certified Arborists is here to share our expertise.

Create a Hardy Garden From the Start

Outsmart your local wildlife with a bit of horticultural cunning! Incorporate young trees and shrubs that our hoofed invaders find less appealing. Some popular options include:

Winterberry holly
Paper birch
Common boxwood
Douglas fir
White spruce
Arrowwood viburnum

While these varieties are not completely deer-proof, they certainly tip the scale in your favor.

Don’t Ignore the Red Flags

Forewarned is forearmed. Use this handy checklist to identify if your specimens are the victim of a deer’s gourmet adventure:

Stripping bark, especially at a height of up to four feet
Mangled branches
Browsing line, a visible demarcation where lower foliage appears bare and higher parts remain untouched
Deep, torn gouges in tree trunks
Hoof prints
Small, pellet-like droppings

Jumpstart Your Winter Preparation

So, you’ve spotted the telltale signs of these destructive intruders. It’s time to implement tree protection from deer.

Erect Physical Barriers

Snow fencing makes a fantastic first line of defense that keeps those wandering herbivores away from your precious greenery. Set up a high border (about eight feet tall) to dissuade leaping attempts by adventurous deer.

Do you prefer something less visually intrusive? You could opt for individual wraps and guards. They’re affordable, effective, and relatively easy to install.

Apply Chemical Deterrents

Look for deer repellents in your local gardening store. These products operate on two premises: they either smell repulsive to deer or impart an unpleasant taste to the plants, discouraging future nibbling.

Remember, deer are smart creatures, and they can grow accustomed to the smell or taste over time. Keep rotating between different brands to maintain their efficiency. You should also reapply after heavy rain or snow to protect your trees from significant damage.

Eliminate Potential Food Sources

Minimize animal attraction by clearing out tempting nibbles from your yard. This includes compost containers, bird feeders, and fallen fruit; a cleaner yard equals fewer visitors! If you can part with them, consider removing nearby vegetation that herbivores love, like hostas, daylilies, and geraniums.

Consult a Local Arborist

Don’t let these forest raiders turn your property into their playground! If you notice deer damage, reach out to us at Rick’s PHC Certified Arborists. Our specialists will arrive swiftly to establish tree protection from deer.

We can also treat gloomy scale in plants, provide regular trimming and pruning sessions, and become your long-term partner in maintaining the vibrancy of your living landscape — so dial 610-840-2655 today!

Winter Deer Grazing: Tree Protection From Deer Damage