What I learned about evergreens and deer.

[Atticus]

During winter months, deer will browse heavily on white pine seedlings but ignore same-size spruce trees planted 10 feet away.

I don't know if their preference has to do with differences in taste or texture, but close to half the white pines I tucked in last year were nibbled to death, but none of the spruces were lost to deer.

Just something to consider if you are thinking of planting an evergreen screen in deer country.

[magicarpet]

1. Give the yard deer some vodka,..

,... you will have the happiest deer in the county.

[Tetrachloride]

2. Tree Sentry

1. wrap loose paper at the very bottom 2 inches
2. put tree sentry over the seedling

https://treesentry.com/

[Atticus]

4. Looks nice for a handful of trees. I planted nearly 100 though, so a bit pricey. Thanks. nt

[Tetrachloride]

6. Yes, pricey. i bought 100 every year

[walkingman]

3. WE had just planted our tomatoes (hadn't put the cages on yet) and they

ate the tops off the plants - put up an electric fence yesterday around the garden - take that!!

They have never nibbled on our tomatoes before so didn't bother. We usually only put it up after we plant the beans and peas. We have one that has a baby in our front pasture every year so fun to watch but LEAVE MY VEGGIES ALONE!

[Atticus]

5. In my garden, I use something called "Liquid Fence". It is a spray containing garlic and

"putrified egg solids", i.e., rotten eggs. You can smell it as you apply it and while it is still wet, but it is not overpowering. Once dry, you will never notice it but the deer and bunnies will---and they don't like it.

I could not grow sweet potatoes without the stuff. Deer LOVE the leaves and stems of sweet potatoes!

[Frustratedlady]

7. I downsized several years ago to a house with evergreens below all the windows.

The new growth is soft and the deer eat each of the new spikes all winter long. I have yet to have the bushes trimmed, as the deer do it for me.

I had a couple times when something hit my window really hard. Scared the beejeebers out of me, as I was sitting right inside. I finally figured out that one of the bucks with huge antlers was trimming the bushes and hit the window as it leaned forward.

They actually do a good job.

[Emile]

8. I had a beautiful smoke (tree) bush and after the rut the stags

riddled it rubbing the velvet off their antlers.