How to Prevent Deer from Eating Green Giant Arborvitae - Ask Extension
I live in Darnestown where there are lots of deer (!). I had Meadow Farms plant three Green Giant Arborvitae for privacy 18 months ago. They all see...
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How to Prevent Deer from Eating Green Giant Arborvitae #785678
Asked March 31, 2022, 3:02 PM EDT
I live in Darnestown where there are lots of deer (!). I had Meadow Farms plant three Green Giant Arborvitae for privacy 18 months ago. They all seemed to be doing well and are now approximately 10 feet tall so not seedlings, but this spring, the lower half of one seems to have been "trimmed" on the side facing my house. The back of the tree looks fine and has new growth. I assume deer? I purposely chose these trees after being advised by multiple "experts" that deer hated them. Is there anything you would recommend to prevent this? Or is there another possible explanation?
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
It's impossible to know exactly what happened, but deer would be on the list of suspects.
You were advised correctly that Green Giant Arborvitae, which is a western species, is resistant to deer feeding. However, "resistant" doesn't mean deer "proof". When hungry enough, or when there are new plants, they will taste just about anything.
We notice one of the stakes has been knocked over... it also could be an attempt at antler rubbing, which stripped leaves but thankfully not the bark of the trunk, which can be seriously damaging.
Be on the lookout for Bagworms, which can be easy to miss and will denude evergreens. No need to spray, just pick them off into a container of soapy water. See them here:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/bagworms-trees-and-shrubs
We think that the tree looks good overall and would not be too concerned. Branches that still show some green will continue to grow and cover up the area with time. They eventually can each grow to 20 feet wide so the nearby ones will also thicken.
We suggest giving them each a mulch ring (no deeper than 2-3 inches, pulled back from contact with the trunk) which will keep down weeds, retain soil moisture and protect from mowers/string trimmers. Also, keep a close eye on the staked supports and ties- which can strangle trunks if not removed in a timely manner. If we go into a period of drought, offer supplemental water.
There are deer repellents that can be used and new trees and shrubs are sometimes caged with cylinders of metal wire mesh for deer rub protection. More info on that here:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/deer-damage
Christine
You were advised correctly that Green Giant Arborvitae, which is a western species, is resistant to deer feeding. However, "resistant" doesn't mean deer "proof". When hungry enough, or when there are new plants, they will taste just about anything.
We notice one of the stakes has been knocked over... it also could be an attempt at antler rubbing, which stripped leaves but thankfully not the bark of the trunk, which can be seriously damaging.
Be on the lookout for Bagworms, which can be easy to miss and will denude evergreens. No need to spray, just pick them off into a container of soapy water. See them here:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/bagworms-trees-and-shrubs
We think that the tree looks good overall and would not be too concerned. Branches that still show some green will continue to grow and cover up the area with time. They eventually can each grow to 20 feet wide so the nearby ones will also thicken.
We suggest giving them each a mulch ring (no deeper than 2-3 inches, pulled back from contact with the trunk) which will keep down weeds, retain soil moisture and protect from mowers/string trimmers. Also, keep a close eye on the staked supports and ties- which can strangle trunks if not removed in a timely manner. If we go into a period of drought, offer supplemental water.
There are deer repellents that can be used and new trees and shrubs are sometimes caged with cylinders of metal wire mesh for deer rub protection. More info on that here:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/deer-damage
Christine
