Deer damaging apple trees - Ask Extension
The deer use our young apple trees for rubs and have damaged them. Is there a way we can wrap them to either repair (heal) or protect them?
Knowledgebase
Deer damaging apple trees #923228
Asked December 31, 2025, 1:27 PM EST
The deer use our young apple trees for rubs and have damaged them. Is there a way we can wrap them to either repair (heal) or protect them?
Greene County Ohio
Expert Response
Hi,
Yes, there are various products you can use to protect your trees. This article describes using several types of fencing material to protect young trees from antler rubbing. These are used seasonally - that is, installed before the damage would start in mid-August and then removed before new growth in the Spring (after rubbing season is over). It also talks about damage already done. If the damage is not too extensive and the trees are not girdled, the bark should heal over. https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/how-protect-trees-and-shrubs-animal-damage-over-winter
Let me know if you have any other questions and good luck!
Yes, there are various products you can use to protect your trees. This article describes using several types of fencing material to protect young trees from antler rubbing. These are used seasonally - that is, installed before the damage would start in mid-August and then removed before new growth in the Spring (after rubbing season is over). It also talks about damage already done. If the damage is not too extensive and the trees are not girdled, the bark should heal over. https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/how-protect-trees-and-shrubs-animal-damage-over-winter
Let me know if you have any other questions and good luck!
