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Arborvitae Trees vs Deer #878637

Asked July 24, 2024, 5:54 PM EDT

I would like to plant several Arborvitae trees in my yard for privacy. We have a problem with deer in my neighborhood. They seem to eat everything, even the things they aren't supposed to like. Are Arborvitae trees deer proof? Is it a safe investment for me to plant them? Thank you.

Delaware County Ohio

Expert Response

Hi Barbara,

Normally deer like to feed on Arbor Vitae in the fall and spring. However, I have a row of them for privacy in my landscape and the deer walk around them for my other plants.

Some varieties are recognized as not as appetizing to the deer such as spring grove, steeplechase and green giant. Try to get a variety that is deer resistant. I also put up a plastic deer fence when they were just planted which limited their susceptibility to predators.

For other help contact your county extension office. They are located at 1610 State Rte 521, Delaware, Ohio 43015 Phone is<personal data hidden>. For other questions regarding landscape you can go to: https://ohioline.osu.edu and search under yard and garden.

I hope I have not been too chatty and have offered some assistance.

Enjoy your landscape,

Mike Heys, Franklin County Master Gardener

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 25, 2024, 1:57 PM EDT
Mike,

Thank you so very much for your information and your advice about the fencing.  No, you were not at all too chatty.  I appreciated everything you had to say.

Thanks again.

Barb Hettinger
<personal data hidden>

On Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 01:57:07 PM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2024, 2:13 PM EDT

Thank you Barbara. Enjoy the beauty and privacy of an Arbor Vitae barrier. I have enjoyed ours for over twenty years. 

Mike Heys

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 25, 2024, 7:47 PM EDT

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