Knowledgebase
What are the most deer resistant shrubs to plant for a privacy hedge? #865357
Asked April 21, 2024, 8:53 PM EDT
Ingham County Michigan
Expert Response
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension. Deer-resistant evergreens and shrubs are an essential component of landscaping in areas with high deer populations. While no plant is entirely free from browsing, certain species are less likely to be consumed by deer, especially when other more palatable plants are available. Some of the deer-resistant evergreens and shrubs include:
- Junipers: These prickly, aromatic conifers are usually not favored by deer. They include a variety of small and large shrubs, upright specimen trees, and spreading groundcovers that are ideal for sunny, well-drained areas.
-Spruce, Douglas fir and arborvitae all can reach 30 feet in diameter.
- Cotoneaster: This evergreen shrub is often left unmolested by deer.
- Boxwood: A popular evergreen shrub that is usually not favored by deer.
- Pyracantha: This evergreen shrub is also typically left alone by deer.
- Nandina: This evergreen shrub is also usually left alone by deer.
- Cherokee rose: This evergreen shrub is also typically left unmolested by deer.
- Lady Bank’s rose: This evergreen shrub is also usually not browsed by deer.
- Hypericum: This evergreen shrub is also typically left alone by deer. - Red Pine and white spruce are seldom damaged by deer.
- white fir (concolor fir) are occasionally damaged by deer.
- Scotch pine
It's important to note that the effectiveness of these plants can vary depending on the local deer population, the availability of other food sources, and the time of year. Keep in mind that many plants that are deer-resistant are usually highly fragrant plants, plants that have texture or are spiny or coarse, such as geraniums or roses. If there are some plants that you would like to put into your area that are not deer resistant, surround them with plants that are fragrant/ or have texture, and that can keep deer at bay. Deer will always eat things if they are hungry enough. When choosing plants, also select plants according to the amount of sun/shade they receive, and how wet/dry the area is. This will ensure your success. We recommend planting 2-3 varieties, so that if there is a disease or insect that attacks one variety, it will not destroy your entire hedge.
I have included some publications for your reference.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/videos/smart-gardening-to-deter-deer-1
https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/files/e3042.pdf
https://warren.cce.cornell.edu/gardening-landscape/deer-resistant-plants
https://extension.psu.edu/ornamentals-and-deer-realities-and-landscape-plant-options
https://njaes.rutgers.edu/deer-resistant-plants/
https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/choosing-evergreens-your-landscape
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/plants-mixed-privacy-screens/