Knowledgebase
Deer damage to trees #777873
Asked November 15, 2021, 3:29 PM EST
Good afternoon,
Several young bucks have been head butting/rubbing on several of our trees. I'm writing to see what can be done to save and/or to help the trees. There's not much bark left on about a 1 1/2 foot section of the Lombardy Poplar. Is something like 'tree seal' or similar products going to help? I've put up chicken wire and tomato cage-like fencing around them to prevent access. Are there other options for keeping them away?
If these trees are gonners (which is what I'm expecting with the Lombardy...) what are some evergreens that are deer resistant?
Macomb County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
Protect individual trees with woven wire or plastic cylinders at least 6 feet high. There are also frightening devices - the most effective are pyrotechnics, guard dogs, and deer-activated bioacoustics devices.
Check out “Deer-Resistant” Plants For Homeowners - There is a section for trees - Information is at this link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/uploads/files/deer_resistant_plants.pdf
Hello again,
When deer rub their antlers on trees, they strip away the tree’s cambium. That’s the layer between the inner bark and the outer wood that helps nutrients move throughout the tree. Unfortunately, when the cambium layer is stripped off all sides of the tree, the damage is done. Now, there’s a good chance the tree won’t survive many more winters.
But if the damage is only partial, your tree may be able to seal over the damaged area. Over time (several years or more), new bark will grow in and slowly cover the wounded wood.
How well your tree will be able to repair itself depends on how many sides of the trunk the deer damaged and the depth of the wounds. Even if the tree does not die, the damage may be so extensive that it may never fully recover or even break off.
If the damage is minimal, you can aid your tree’s recovery by doing what arborists call bark tracing. You essentially cut out the damaged bark, which leaves a smooth wound that trees can repair a bit easier. With a super sharp and disinfected knife, cut about an inch wider than where you see the damage, and you should be good!
But if you’re unsure what to remove, have a local arborist do it. Because if you do this the wrong way, it can actually damage your tree further.
To Find an Arborist (by Zip Code) please go to this link: https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/arboristsearch
You are welcome!! - Have a great day!!
