Do Emerald Green Arborvitae ever get big enough that deer will leave them alone? - Ask Extension
I have several Emerald Green Arborvitae trees in my yard. When I first purchased the trees, the nursery told me that they were deer resistant. The f...
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Do Emerald Green Arborvitae ever get big enough that deer will leave them alone? #859401
Asked February 19, 2024, 10:29 AM EST
I have several Emerald Green Arborvitae trees in my yard. When I first purchased the trees, the nursery told me that they were deer resistant. The first fall they were in, we noticed that deer started eating them. As a result, we put a fence around the trees and have done that for a couple years from Fall through the start of spring (the deer seem to leave the trees alone in Spring and Summer). Unfortunately, the fence is difficult to put up each year. We were wondering if the trees will ever get big enough that the deer will leave them alone and the fence will no longer be needed?
Stark County Ohio
Expert Response
Thank you for your question.
Unfortunately, the deer will probably not stop eating your Emerald Green Arborvitae. It is not listed as a deer resistant arborvitae in our sources. Green Giant and American Arborvitae are listed as deer resistant as are Steeplechase and Spring Grove. But deer will eat almost anything if need be.
There are countless people with your trees, and the deer have eaten the areas they can reach, so what is left are shapes like popsicles.
There are sprays to deter the deer from eating the trees, but they are not always effective. I understand the fencing is cumbersome and difficult to install every winter, but I recommend that you continue to use it. I am so sorry! Sincerely,
Unfortunately, the deer will probably not stop eating your Emerald Green Arborvitae. It is not listed as a deer resistant arborvitae in our sources. Green Giant and American Arborvitae are listed as deer resistant as are Steeplechase and Spring Grove. But deer will eat almost anything if need be.
There are countless people with your trees, and the deer have eaten the areas they can reach, so what is left are shapes like popsicles.
There are sprays to deter the deer from eating the trees, but they are not always effective. I understand the fencing is cumbersome and difficult to install every winter, but I recommend that you continue to use it. I am so sorry! Sincerely,
