Deer Resistant Trees

Deer are often the cause of damage to trees by two ways, eating or rubbing or both. Damage to landscape trees has become an increasing issue because of rising deer population, and the spreading of suburban development into the deer's natural habitat. There are restrictions on deer hunting and there are decreasing amounts of natural predators that are partly the cause of these increased deer populations.

Gardeners and landscapers may have to consider different methods to prevent deer damage. One solution is to use deer resistant trees, or deer proof trees. There are very few trees that are entirely deer resistant. However, some trees are less attractive to deer than others. One of the other best prevention methods against deer damage is a fence, however this may be impractical in some situations.

The most aesthetically pleasing way to combat the deer damage problem is to landscape with deer resistant plants. There are several reasons a plant can be deer resistant. Many plants are poisonous at some point during their growth stage, and some of the most deer resistant are poisonous at all times. The taste and digestibility also vary with plant age, growth stage and time of year. When planning landscapes with trees, perennials and ornamental trees, it is important to research their attractiveness to deer in order to avoid browsing damage when the cold season arrives.

List of deer resistant trees, sorted by common name