Tree On Mountain
Dear Pro Arbor,
I found the website through a co-worker. Great idea!
I live on the mountain, and I'm looking to plant a few trees to help throw some shade on the chicken house. I've tried a few, (cherry, apple, and maple), but they ended up being the latest in a long line of offerings at the Deer Buffet.
Is there any tree that may have a fighting chance because the deer don't favor the taste? I've tried putting fence around them and some of the deer away stuff. Doesn't seem to do anything to deter them.
Thank you,
Connie
Dear Connie,
It sounds like you have favored deciduous trees instead of evergreens so far. There are some evergreens (broad-leafed or conifer) that are mildly poisonous, so deer tend to avoid them. However, I have observed that hungry deer will eat almost any foliage, regardless of its nutritional value.
Try one of these: Rhododendron, Mountain Laurel, Holly, Arborititae, Leland Cypress. For protection, put up a well-fortified fence that you may remove after the first two seasons. I have not heard of any real success stories from the "deer away" products (other than big dogs and guns).
Good luck!
Ferris Crilly
I also live on a mountain with an unbelievable deer poplulation. I have found all deer resistant trees and shrubs susceptible to being eaten by deer. If a deer is hungry enough, it will eat whatever is available. My preferred method for keeping the deer away succesfully is to install a thick gauge wire fence in a circle around the plant. It should be kept at a distance far enough from the foliage that a tall, long necked deer can't reach over and grab the foliage. I use the square wire fencing, 4' in height, sold in rolls at any home improvement store, and secure it to the ground with the 4' green metal stakes often found adjacent to the fencing in the store.
Ultimately we have to jump through some hoops in order to protect our plant life from the grumbling stomachs of deer. These fences, as Ferris pointed out, should be left in place for the first two years of establishment for best results.
Arborist Adam
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