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How to protect arborvitae from deer #775883

Asked October 20, 2021, 8:33 AM EDT

Can I use netting over the arborvitae to keep the deer from eating it? It's light weight. I don't know if deer will chew through it. I hate the look of burlap and would prefer to use something better looking. I've also seen green plastic webbing. Suggestions? Thanks! Connie Perignat-Lisle

Washington County Vermont

Expert Response

Connie,

Using netting as a deer deterrent is usually considered more effective than repellents.  If used as a fence it should be at least 5 to 6 feet high and secure to the ground at the bottom.  It can also be placed over a small shrubs.  After considerable damage to 3' high yews, I put black netting over them anchoring the netting to the ground.  I had no further deer damage.  The netting was black plastic and hardly visible.  It was a 3/4" mesh.  I've seen similar netting in hardware stores, but did find mine on line.  Below is a UVM web site addressing various deterrent methods for keeping deer away.
https://www.uvm.edu/vtvegandberry/factsheets/deer.html

I hope this information is useful!

Jane

UVM Extension Master Gardener Helpline Volunteer Replied October 20, 2021, 3:42 PM EDT
Thanks for your quick reply. We just planted a hedge of arborvitae so we will try the netting this year. I might have a follow up question as they grow. 
Thank you!!!
Connie

On Wed, Oct 20, 2021 at 3:42 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied October 20, 2021, 8:02 PM EDT
Hi Connie: Jane has given you some great advice to follow.  I did want to add that be sure you do not put any wrapping right against the plants. Following is some info. taken from a Ask an Expert question.

DO NOT tightly wrap individual plants with burlap as this can collect ice, trap moisture and make plants more susceptible to infection by disease-causing organisms. 

Construct a barrier of burlap or similar material on the south, southwest, and windward sides of evergreens. If a plant has exhibited injury on all sides, surround it with a barrier, but leave the top open to allow for some air and light penetration. Surround your young plant with a few wooden stakes, allowing a few inches of space between the stakes and the plant. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/protecting-trees-and-shrubs-winter#deer-972413

I hope this additional info. is helpful.

Lisa - UVM Master Gardener Helpline


An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 21, 2021, 9:41 AM EDT
Thank you for your additional info. I have another question. We have a long row of young arborvitae that we planted as a hedge. We have purchased netting.  Is it OK to just drape it over the line of trees and using stakes, fasten it to the ground or will that be too much weight on them once the snow comes? Should we put stakes in the ground to help support the netting over the line of trees?  
Thank you for your patience in responding to my questions. 
Connie

On Thu, Oct 21, 2021 at 9:41 AM University of Vermont <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied November 10, 2021, 4:39 PM EST

Connie,

The netting itself will not weigh the arborvitae down.  You don't mention the height of the shrubs, the distance between them and if they need protection on all sides.  If they need protection on all sides, you could wrap the netting around the shrubs like a fence using stakes to support the netting. Start at one end of the hedge continuing all the around both sides of the hedge until you come back where you started.This can be done close to the shrubs even touching them with the netting touching the ground.  There would be no need to tack the netting to the ground. Netting installed touching or very close to the shrubs should be at least 5 feet high.  

I hope this information is helpful.

Jane

UVM Extension Master Gardener Helpline Volunteer Replied November 11, 2021, 7:17 PM EST
Thanks again, Jane. I'm good for putting up stakes, but my husband doesn't think they're necessary. One of those "married couples" conversations! 
The range in height from 3-5 feet and will need protection on both sides. They are spaced about 1-1.5  feett apart. We planted 46 trees! 
I'll send you a photo after I put up some netting. 
Have a nice weekend!
Connie

On Thu, Nov 11, 2021 at 7:18 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied November 13, 2021, 9:17 AM EST

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