How to Protect Tree Trunks from Deer and other Wildlife

Deer can damage tree trunks by rubbing or scraping their antlers against the bark of a tree to remove the velvet and polish their antlers. Bucks also rub against trees to mark territory and attract females. Unfortunately, this causes enormous tree damage. Young trees are especially vulnerable because the scraping can damage the systems needed to transport water and nutrients.

Deer further damage trees by chewing on low branches. They paw at the soil below a tree and urinate around it to mark territory. Further compounding the problem is the fact that deer are creatures of habit. They will return to the same trees and repeat the same behavior, so it's important to protect tree trunks. This can be done in a variety of ways.

Step One - Protect Tree Trunks with Fencing

The simplest way to protect trees is with fencing placed around a single tree or an entire stand. In doing so, the fence must be at least six to eight feet tall and tilted at an angle of 30 degrees, as deer are champion jumpers.

Step Two - Tree Care with DIY Materials

If fencing is not suitable, protect individual trees by wrapping any number of materials around the trunk, including chicken wire, plastic mesh netting or corrugated drain pipe. Any of these options, while perhaps not the most pleasing aesthetically, can be easily cut to size and secured around any tree trunk.

When using any of these do-it-yourself materials, measure the tree trunk from the ground to just under the first branch. Cut a section of the material to this length. For corrugated drain pipe, an extra cut will be required to split the material open, in order to wrap it around the tree trunk. To install the chicken wire or netting, simply wrap around the tree securely and close with zip ties.

Use care when installing a corrugated drain pipe around the tree so as not to damage the bark or injure your fingers. The material is difficult to maneuver open. For maximum tree care, monitor growth annually and widen the protective material as needed.

Step Three - Limit Tree Damage with Repellants

Two types of repellants exist to limit different behavior. Contact repellants taste bad, while area repellants emit foul odors that may encourage deer to stay away from the tree. With a contact repellant, the tree trunk should be treated to a height of six feet. Commercial preparations of both types exist but many people choose to make their own.

One method is to cut slices of deodorant soap, enclose them in cheesecloth and hang them from the branches of the tree. Deer don’t like the smell of the soap, but it must be replaced monthly to remain effective. Another less savory option is to mix egg and water and spread it around the base of the tree. Another homeopathic tree care recipe is to mix dried blood meal (purchased in gardening centers) with any number of items designed to give off a scent to repel deer. Human hair, chicken feathers, egg, garlic, hot sauce or cayenne pepper are all effective. Mix your choice of ingredients, strain if necessary, cook under the sun to get it really smelly and spray on or pour around tree trunks. Rotate ingredients each season as deer can become accustomed to tastes or smells.

No matter which method you choose to protect tree trunks from deer damage, remain confident in the knowledge that you are protecting a tree for future generations to enjoy.