How to Protect Your Fruit Trees from Deer
Deer can be a serious problem for fruit tree growers. They may not eat the fruit itself, but they love to nibble on the tender shoots, which can damage the tree and reduce its yield. Deer damage is especially harmful to young trees, which are more vulnerable to being stunted or even killed.
Deer Proofing Your Fruit Trees
There are a number of ways to deer proof your fruit trees, including:
- Fencing: Fencing is the most reliable way to keep deer away from your fruit trees. There are a number of different types of fencing that can be used, but the most effective is an 8-foot (2.5 m) woven wire fence. Be sure to secure the wire at the ground level to prevent deer from crawling under the fence.
- Electric fencing: Electric fencing is another effective way to deter deer. Deer are reluctant to cross an electric fence, even if it is not very high. However, electric fences require more maintenance than woven wire fences, and they can be more expensive to install.
- Repellents: There are a number of commercial deer repellents available, but they can be expensive and not always effective. Some people prefer to make their own repellents using ingredients such as putrefied meat scraps, ammonium, or bone tar oil.
- Hunting: If you live in an area where it is legal to hunt deer, this can be an effective way to reduce the deer population and protect your fruit trees. However, it is important to check the local regulations before hunting deer.
- Guard dogs: Guard dogs can be an effective way to deter deer, especially if they are free to roam around the orchard. However, deer are smart animals and they may eventually learn to avoid the dogs.
What Fruit Trees Do Deer Not Eat?
There are no fruit trees that deer will not eat, but some trees are more resistant to deer damage than others. These include:
- Crabapples
- Hawthorns
- Serviceberries
- Pawpaws
- Persimmons
How to Identify Deer Damage
Deer damage to fruit trees can be identified by the following signs:
- Tender shoots that have been nibbled or browsed
- Leaves that have been torn or shredded
- Fruit that has been bitten or dropped
- Antlers that have rubbed against the trunk or branches of the tree
How to Treat Deer Damage
Deer damage to fruit trees can be treated by the following methods:
- Prune away any damaged shoots or leaves.
- Apply a deer repellent to the tree.
- Install a fence or other barrier to keep deer away from the tree.
- If the tree is severely damaged, you may need to replace it.
Preventing Deer Damage
The best way to prevent deer damage to fruit trees is to take steps to deter deer from your property. This includes:
- Keeping your yard clean and free of debris.
- Removing any potential food sources for deer, such as bird feeders or compost piles.
- Planting deer-resistant plants around your fruit trees.
- Using deer repellents.
- Fencing your property.
By following these tips, you can help to protect your fruit trees from deer damage and ensure a bountiful harvest.
