Quick answer: Deer do the most landscape damage in winter, when natural food is scarce and evergreens are the only green left. Protection works best when repellent sprays start in late fall, before deer build a feeding habit, and are renewed through the cold months.
Which plants do deer damage most in winter?
Deer favor soft evergreens. The usual targets are:
- Arborvitae, especially Emerald Green hedges
- Yew
- Rhododendron and azalea
- Holly
- Euonymus
Deer browse from the ground to about six feet, which is why hedges often end up bare at the bottom and full at the top. Boxwood and spruce are browsed far less often.
When should winter deer spraying start?
Late fall, before the first hard cold. Deer are creatures of habit. Once a herd learns a yard is a reliable food stop, it is much harder to turn them away. Applications are made on a dry day with temperatures above freezing so the product can dry on the foliage.
How do deer repellents work?
Repellents make plants smell and taste unappealing so deer move on to easier food. They do not harm the deer, and they do not form a permanent barrier. Weather wears them down, which is why winter protection is a series of applications, not one visit.
What else helps besides spraying?
- Wrap or net the most valuable young evergreens
- Use trunk guards on young trees to prevent antler rub in fall
- Choose less palatable plants for new plantings
- Keep repellent coverage going into spring, when new growth emerges
Will the plants recover if deer have already fed on them?
It depends on the plant. Yews and hollies often push new growth. Arborvitae rarely fill back in on bare lower branches, which is why prevention matters most for hedges.
Related: Deer and rodent repellent service | Vole damage in lawns and beds
This article is general information. Pesticides and repellents must always be applied according to the product label and state regulations.