Do deer eat arborvitae? That's a question we get asked a lot here. And it's one that we can answer with confidence: yes, deer will eat your arborvitae if given the chance.
Here are a few things to keep in mind if you're wondering whether or not to plant an arborvitae hedge in your yard:
- Deer love many plants that are green and leafy, so an evergreen hedge is definitely on their menu.
- If you live in an area with a high deer population, they may be more likely to nibble on your plants if they're hungry enough.
Ultimately, it comes down to this: if there are deer where you live, there's always a possibility that they'll munch on your plants. But if you choose wisely and pick a variety that doesn't appeal as much to them (like American Arborvitaes), then you'll have a better possibility of keeping those pesky critters away from your garden.
Why do deer eat arborvitae?
While the evergreen arborvitae tree is a common landscaping staple in many North American yards, they are also a popular food source for deer. Here are some reasons why:
- The trees provide year-round shelter and coverage from predators.
- They offer a nutritious diet of twigs, leaves, and buds.
- Arborvitae trees are easy to access since they're often planted close to fences or property lines.
- Deer tend to return to familiar feeding grounds, so once they find an arborvitae tree that suits their needs, they'll keep coming back for more.
Nutritional benefits of arborvitae for deer
Deer love to eat arborvitae and this is good for their health. Arborvitae are full of nutrients that deer need to stay healthy, including vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and phosphorus. Deer that eat a diet rich in arborvitae will be less likely to suffer from malnutrition or disease.
Arborvitae is a genus of evergreen coniferous trees in the family Cupressaceae. The word "arborvitae" comes from the Latin for "tree of life" and refers to the medicinal properties of the bark. Arborvitae are native to temperate and boreal regions of Asia, Europe, and North America.
What type of arborvitae do deer like to eat
There are many types of arborvitae, and deer like to eat them all. But there are a few varieties that they seem to prefer. Here are some of the most popular:
- The American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) is one of the most commonly eaten by deer. It’s also one of the easiest to find, as it’s native to much of North America.
- The Japanese Arborvitae (Thuja standishii) is another variety that deer love to munch on. It’s often used as an ornamental plant in Japan, but its tasty leaves make it a favorite food for browsing animals like deer.
- The European Arborvitae (Thuja plicata) is yet another type that attracts hungry deer . This evergreen tree is native to western Europe and can grow up to 100 feet tall.
The best way to feed arborvitae to deer
When it comes to feeding arborvitae to deer, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First and foremost, these evergreen trees are not meant to be part of the deer diet. In fact, they can actually be harmful if ingested in large quantities. That being said, there may be times when you have no other choice but to feed them this type of vegetation. If that's the case, here is how you should go about it:
- Only offer a small amount at first; too much could make them sick.
- Make sure the arborvitae is fresh; old or rotten leaves can also cause problems.
With those guidelines in mind, go ahead and give your deer a little taste of arborvitae every now and then - just don't overdo it.
How do deer eat arborvitae?
Deer love to eat arborvitae, and there are a few ways they go about it. If the deer is young or has small antlers, it will nibble on the tips of the branches. This “browse line” is visible in many forests across North America. Larger deer with bigger antlers will strip whole branches off of arborvitae trees – sometimes taking out large chunks of bark along with the leaves. And finally, during winter when food is scarce, deer have been known to eat entire arborvitae trees – roots and all if the trees are small enough.
When do deer eat arborvitae?
It's a common misconception that deer only eat leaves from deciduous trees. In reality, they're quite fond of evergreens too - especially when other food sources are scarce. Arborvitae is one of their favorite snacks!
Here are some things to keep in mind if you have arborvitae on your property:
- Deer are more likely to eat young, tender arborvitae leaves. So, if you see some damage on your trees, it's probably from deer.
- If the deer population is high in your area, they may eat arborvitae even if there are other food sources available.
- Arborvitae is not the only evergreen that deer like to eat. They also enjoy eating yews, pines, and hemlocks.
How to prevent deer from eating arborvitae?
Arborvitae, also known as Thuja or cedar, is a beautiful evergreen tree that provides privacy and noise reduction. However, deer love to munch on them. If you live in an area with a lot of deer, your arborvitaes may be at risk. Here are some tips to prevent deer from eating your arborvitae:
- Use fencing: A fence can be an effective way to keep deer out of your yard and away from your trees. Be sure to choose a fence that is tall enough (at least 8 feet) and made of sturdy material that the deer cannot easily push through or jump over. You may need to experiment with different types of fences until you find one that works for you.
- Apply repellents: There are many commercial deer repellents available on the market including sprays, granules, and even devices that emit ultrasonic sound waves (which humans can't hear but drives animals crazy). Repellents work by either making the taste unpleasant or smells offensive so they will avoid the area altogether. Apply according to directions; usually every 4-6 weeks or after rainfalls since they will wash away quickly otherwise
Do deer like arborvitae?
You bet they do! Here are just a few reasons why:
- Arborvitae provide an excellent source of food for deer. The needles are full of nutrients that deer need to stay healthy and thrive.
- Deer love the shelter that arborvitae trees provide. From harsh winds to predators, these evergreens offer protection from it all.
- A single mature arborvitae can produce thousands seeds per year? That’s a lot of potential snacks for our furry friends!
Can deer eat arborvitae?
Yes, deer can eat arborvitae. However, eating too much arborvitae can be harmful to deer. Here's what you need to know about this popular browse species:
- There are many different types of arborvitae trees, but all share the same general shape - a pyramid-like form with dense foliage made up of small scale-like leaves.
- Arborvitae trees are slow growing, but can live for hundreds of years if left undisturbed by humans or animals.
- Deer enjoy eating the young shoots and leaves of the tree as well as stripping bark from older branches
Can deer digest arborvitae?
Yes, deer can eat arborvitae without any problems. The leaves of the tree are rich in nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which are essential for healthy growth. Deer will usually only eat small amounts of arborvitae at a time though – too much could cause digestive issues.
How many arborvitae can deer eat?
A single mature whitetail doe can consume 2-4 pounds of woody vegetation per day while pregnant or lactating; male deer may eat twice that amount. Fawns require less foliage but consume proportionately more for their size than adults since they're growing so rapidly.
The amount of damage done by browsing deer depends on several factors including the density of the population, availability of alternative food sources, and weather conditions (drought increases browse pressure).
Can baby deer eat arborvitae?
Yes, baby deer can eat arborvitae. The leaves are soft and tender. Plus, the tree is full of nutrients that are good for growing bodies. Just make sure you don't overdo it – too much of a good thing can be bad for baby deer.
Foods that deer eat besides arborvitae
If you're a deer, there's a good chance that arborvitae is on your menu. But what else do these four-legged foragers feast on? Here are some other foods that deer love to eat:
- Apples - Deer love apples. Whether they're fresh off the tree or starting to ferment, apples are a delicious treat for deer. If you have apple trees in your yard, expect some nibbling damage come fall.
- Acorns - Acorns are an important food source for many animals, including deer. These nuts provide protein and fat that help keep deer healthy.
- Berries - Blueberries, raspberries...deer will devour just about any type of berry they can get their hooves on! Not only are berries tasty snacks for these animals, but they also provide essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C.
Do deer eat arborvitae summary
Arborvitae are common landscape plants that are prized for their ability to provide year-round interest and privacy. However, these same qualities make them appealing to hungry deer who will happily chomp away at the foliage if given the chance.
