Deer resistant trees and shrubs are available, but choosing the best varieties and species is a different matter. Deer resistant plants should always be planted where you have a large deer population. Homeowners are constantly looking for deer repellents and ways to keep them from eating up the vegetation in their yard or garden. Find facts on types of deer resistant trees and deer resistant shrubs that can be planted to help keep deer away.
Plant deer resistant trees to keep deer away
Now that you are taking the first step by choosing to plant deer resistant varieties of plants, you will be able to take other steps such as building a high fence around your property if that is at all feasible. It will take a 9’ high fence to be of any use. Many homeowners are not willing, or able to put up such a high fence. Your next step will be to use other preventive matters, such as putting out repellents to keep them away.
Deer have a preferred menu, from most to least favorite plants. If you plant their least favorites, they may visit the neighbors house first, but chances are that they’ll return to your house in deepest winter when the good stuff next door is gone. You can put out repellents that will work in winter, as well, to try to keep them away.
Mahonia is resistant to deer
Here is a list of recommended deer-resistant trees and shrubs. The common name and the botanical name is given to make sure you get the right species of the tree or shrub as all varieties of a plant may not be as deer-resistant as others.
Deer Resistant Trees and Shrubs
Maple, Acer species
Chokeberry, Aronia species
Barberry, Berberis species
Birch, Betula species
Boxwood, Buxus species
Pea shrub, Caragana species
Smoketree, Cotinus species
Daphne, Daphne species
Forsythia, Forsythia species
Juniper, Juniperus species
Yaupon, Ilex vomitoria
American holly, Ilex opaca
Katsura, Kadsura japonica
Mountain laurel, Kalmis latifolia
Beautybush, Kolkwitzia amabilis
Drooping leucothoe, Leucothoe fontanesiana
Magnolia, Magnolia species
Bayberry, Myrica species
Oleander, Nerium oleander
Sourwood, Oxydendrum arboreum
Spruce, Picea species
Pieris, Pieris species
Pine, Pinus species
Bush cinquefoil, Potentilla fructicosa (not P. Strobus)
Firethorn, Pyracantha coccinea
Beach rose, Rosa rugosa
Rosemary, Rosmarius officinalis
Skimmia, Skimmia japonica
Adam’s needle, Yucca species
This is a deer, rabbit, and elk repellant that is very popular to use against deer population. It is non-toxic and will not harm children or pets. It is environmentally friendly and easy to use.
