Protecting Your Evergreen Trees from Hungry Deer in Snowy Winters
- Oscar Melchor
- 18 minutes ago
- 3 min read
When winter arrives and snow blankets the ground, hungry deer face a tough challenge finding food. With most plants covered or dormant, deer turn to the few green options left standing. Evergreen trees, especially arborvitae and taxus, become their main source of nourishment. This can cause serious damage to your privacy hedges and spring flowering plants like azaleas and rhododendrons. Understanding how to protect your evergreens during these harsh months is essential for maintaining a healthy landscape.
Why Deer Target Evergreen Trees in Winter
During snowy winters, the ground is covered with thick layers of snow, limiting access to grasses, shrubs, and other food sources. Deer must rely on what remains accessible and nutritious. Evergreen trees like arborvitae and taxus retain their needles and provide a vital food source. Unfortunately, this means deer often strip branches and chew on these trees, which can weaken or kill them if the damage is severe.
Deer prefer arborvitae and taxus because their needles are relatively soft and nutritious compared to other evergreens. This preference makes these species especially vulnerable in winter months when deer have fewer alternatives.
Signs of Deer Damage on Evergreens
Recognizing deer damage early can help you take action before your trees suffer permanent harm. Look for:
Stripped or broken branches especially on the lower parts of the tree
Missing or chewed needles leaving bare patches
Bark damage from rubbing antlers or chewing
Sparse or thinning foliage indicating stress
If you notice these signs, it’s a clear indication that hungry deer are feeding on your evergreens and you should consider protective measures.
Effective Ways to Protect Your Evergreens
There are several strategies to protect your trees and plants from hungry deer during snowy winters:
Physical Barriers
Fencing: Installing a fence at least 8 feet high can keep deer out of your yard. For smaller areas, temporary electric fencing can also be effective.
Tree wraps and netting: Wrapping trunks and branches with protective materials can prevent deer from chewing on bark and needles.
Deer repellents: Commercial sprays with unpleasant tastes or smells can discourage deer from feeding on your trees. These need to be reapplied regularly, especially after snow or rain.
Plant Selection and Placement
Use deer-resistant plants around your evergreens to create a natural barrier. Plants like daffodils, lavender, or ornamental grasses are less appealing to deer.
Group vulnerable plants together and place them in less accessible areas to reduce deer browsing.
Professional Help
If deer pressure is severe, professional assistance can make a big difference. Companies like Turning Green LLC specialize in managing deer damage. They are licensed to mitigate against hungry deer and can provide customized solutions to protect your privacy hedges and spring flowering plants such as azaleas and rhododendrons.
Protecting Your Spring Flowering Plants
Evergreens are not the only plants at risk. Azaleas and rhododendrons, popular spring bloomers, are also favorites for hungry deer when snow covers other food sources. These plants can suffer from browsing damage that affects their growth and flowering.
To protect these plants:
Use deer repellents early in the season before snow arrives.
Install physical barriers like mesh cages or fencing around the plants.
Consult with professionals who can apply treatments that deter deer without harming your plants.
Why Turning Green LLC Can Help
Turning Green LLC offers licensed services to help homeowners protect their landscapes from hungry deer. Their expertise includes:
Assessing your property for deer damage risk
Recommending and installing effective barriers
Applying safe deer repellents and treatments
Providing ongoing support to keep your evergreens and flowering plants healthy through winter and beyond
If you want to safeguard your privacy hedge and spring flowering plants, reaching out to experts like Turning Green LLC is a smart step.
Taking Action to Save Your Evergreens
Snowy winters create a challenging environment for both plants and wildlife. Hungry deer naturally turn to evergreens like arborvitae and taxus for food, but this can cause lasting damage to your landscape. By recognizing the signs of deer damage and using a combination of physical barriers, repellents, and professional help, you can protect your trees and flowering plants.