Knowledgebase

Hostas eaten by deer #873958

Asked June 20, 2024, 3:12 PM EDT

My large leaf hostas have been eaten by deer. Can they recover? Should I cut the stems down. These are mature hostas. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

There is bad news and good news.
Bad news:  about the only thing that can stop a deer is a barrier which are ugly high and costly. https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/hosta-pests-and-diseases#deer
You might try, check zoning first, electric fence. 
Good news;  hostas are easy to damage and hard to kill. 
Better news: there are a lot of plants that are alternatives for hosta. https://www.thespruce.com/do-deer-eat-hostas-8647794 
Steve Miles, Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I am a human being, not a bot nor AI). I am an avid gardener but am not a degreed or certified horticulturist or arborist. I am happy to receive follow-up questions if my responses are incomplete or unclear.  This is the University of MN' garden soil testing service.  https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden This is guidance on how to find a tree expert.  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a wonderful place to see and learn about plants that grow in Minnesota. https://mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu/minnesota-landscape-arboretum Replied June 20, 2024, 3:21 PM EDT
Thank you. Should I cut the stems down close to the ground to help them recover?  I’ve attached a photo. Inline image





On Thursday, June 20, 2024, 2:21 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied June 20, 2024, 4:45 PM EDT
Thank you for writing back. 
There will not be comforted by me telling you that you are not alone. 
Leave them be.  The bits of green leaf that are left are still feeding the roots from which the plant will regrow.  In fact, it is not too late to see new leaves this year.
If you don't mind, you might try a wind chime near the plants, the movement and sound may decrease the feeding.
Steve Miles, Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I am a human being, not a bot nor AI). I am an avid gardener but am not a degreed or certified horticulturist or arborist. I am happy to receive follow-up questions if my responses are incomplete or unclear.  This is the University of MN' garden soil testing service.  https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden This is guidance on how to find a tree expert.  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a wonderful place to see and learn about plants that grow in Minnesota. https://mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu/minnesota-landscape-arboretum Replied June 20, 2024, 6:28 PM EDT

Loading ...