How To Protect Trees From Deer Rub

Deer damage in the garden isn't just limited to nibbling and trampling. Male deer cause damage in the fall when they rub their antlers on tree trunks, a behavior called rutting, but at that place is a simple and inexpensive way to protect young trees.

Rutting harm typically occurs betwixt September and Nov, during the mating season for white-tailed deer, called the rut. Male deer, known as bucks, target trees with smoothen bawl and trunks that are between 1 and 4 inches in diameter. Information technology is a style that bucks marker their territory to tell the female deer, known every bit does, that they are around.

This tree torso has been damaged by a rutting buck rubbing its antlers on the bawl.

Every bit rutting deer rub their antlers on tree trunks, they strip the bark. This tin can be fatal to trees because beneath that bawl is a nutrient and h2o transport system known as the cambium layer. If that cambium is removed all effectually the torso, at that place is no way for the found to survive.

The damage to the branches in the canopy of this young dogwood is due to food cutoff equally a result of a rutting deer rubbing the bark off the torso.

There are products for sale designed to protect trees from deer rut damage, but they can be costly, and the price really adds up if you have many young trees. Also, they are oftentimes sold in fixed sizes, so they may lack the flexibility needed to go the best protection.

A cheaper pick is a bulwark organisation made from corrugated drainage tubing . It'due south simple and convenient, and can exist reused year later on year. A 10-foot length costs but about $9, and that will be enough for three copse. All you'll need is a tape measure out, a marking pen, and a saw that is suitable for cut plastic.

First, measure out the tree from the basis up to the beginning gear up of branches. So, mark that length on the tubing to make the crosswise cut. Use a hacksaw to cutting across the tubing at the advisable length.

The tubing has a colored stripe that runs its unabridged length. Using that stripe as a guide, cutting the tube lengthwise.

That's it!  Your torso shield is ready for installation. Wearing gloves, pull the tubing far enough apart to employ it effectually the tree, being careful that the cut edges don't scrape the bawl equally you do. While the plastic does provide some give, information technology'due south all the same stiff and the cutting edges can harm the bark.

Pull the tubing far enough apart to utilize information technology around the tree. Be sure to wear gloves and be conscientious non to allow the cut edges to scrape the bark or your hands.

The shield tin can be removed in winter once the rutting season has passed — but go along the shield shut at mitt to reinstall the post-obit fall.

Bucks will no longer exist a danger to tree trunks once the rutting season ends, typically past the end of Dec.  (photo: Russell Prentice)

Do you have a favorite method for preventing deer rut damage? Let usa know in the comments beneath.

Links & Resources

Some product links in this guide are affiliate links. Run across full disclosure below.

Episode 060: How to Control Nuisance Wildlife in the Garden: Deer, Rabbits, Moles & More

Episode 119: Deer-Resistant Blueprint: Argue-Gratuitous Solutions to Protect the Plants You Love

joegardenerTV YouTube: How to Keep Deer from Eating Your Plants – Deer Repellent Pros & Cons

joegardenerTV YouTube: How to Keep Critters Out of Your Raised Bed Garden

joegardener Online Gardening Academy ™ : Three popular courses on gardening fundamentals; managing pests, diseases & weeds; and seed starting!

joegardener Online Gardening Academy Seed Temperature Nautical chart

joegardener Online Gardening Academy Essential Gardening Fundamentals : The basics on healthy soil, planting, watering techniques, composting, raised bed and other gardening methods, fertilizer, the many benefits of mulch, and more.

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Corrugated drainage tubing

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*Disclosure: Some product links in this guide are affiliate links, which means we would get a commission if yous buy. Notwithstanding, none of the prices of these resource have been increased to compensate us. None of the items included in this list have whatsoever bearing on any compensation being an influencing factor on their inclusion hither. The selection of all items featured in this post and podcast were based solely on merit and in no way influenced by any chapter or fiscal incentive, or contractual human relationship. At the time of this writing, Joe Lamp'l has professional relationships with the following companies who may have products included in this post and podcast: Pelting Bird, Corona Tools, Milorganite, Soil three , Park Seed, and Exmark. These companies are either Brand Partners of joegardener.com and/or advertise on our website. Withal, nosotros receive no additional compensation from the sales or promotion of their product through this guide. The inclusion of any products mentioned within this post is entirely independent and sectional of whatsoever human relationship.

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