How to Stop Deer From Eating Dark Green Arborvitae

Fencing

• Fencing, at least 8 feet tall, is expensive and not always cost-effective for home landscapes. But it is the only sure way to be certain arborvitae are protected from deer. Permanent electric fencing is often effective but is extremely expensive and may be illegal in certain areas. This type of fencing is usually practical only for nurseries or tree farms. Temporary electric fences, which are treated with peanut butter or another substance that attracts the deer, are found to be relatively effective. When a deer sniffs the wire, it is shocked on the nose and not as likely to try again. Another physical barrier often used for small trees is wire or plastic netting.

Repellents

• A variety of commercial deer repellents, which have a putrid smell or a bad taste, are available, with varying degrees of effectiveness and expense. Some commercial repellents are sprayed directly on the trees, while others are applied near the arborvitaes. Most repellents must be replaced regularly, especially after a rain. Inexpensive homemade repellents are sometimes effective. Some people have hung bags of human hair on the trees. Others have better luck by dangling bars of soap from the branches. Each bar of soap protects about 1 yard of tree space. If deer are starving, repellents are usually ineffective.

Scare Tactics

• A number of deer-frightening devices are available. Gas or propane exploders, which make a loud banging noise, are sometimes effective at discouraging deer, especially when the exploders are set to detonate at staggered intervals or are motion-activated. Exploders are expensive and are subject to laws regarding how close to a dwelling, and what time of day, they can be used. Other scare tactics, with varying degrees of success, include spotlights, strobe lights, firecrackers, whistles or a barking dog.

Damaged Arborvitae

• If deer gnaw arborvitae so deeply that no green growth remains, the chewed section of the tree may never recover because arborvitae doesn't grow from bare wood. If some green remains, the tree may slowly regenerate. Keeping the soil moist during dry weather, along with regular applications of evergreen fertilizer, may help the process along. Otherwise, lower-growing trees planted in front of the bare spots may be the best solution. Plant trees or shrubs that are unpalatable to deer, such as holly, yew or juniper.