Looking for a few tried and true methods to protect your plants, bushes and trees from winter damage from deer?
As winter settles in, food sources for deer become harder and harder to find. With all of the fruit, buds and blooms gone from perennials and bushes – and most of the foliage missing as well, deer begin to seek out alternatives. Unfortunately, that usually means the plants, shrubs, and trees in your landscape!
While deer might appear peaceful, their feeding habits can cause serious damage to your yard during the winter months. From stripping bark off young trees to devouring tender foliage on evergreens, deer can really do a number on plants. But can you really stop these large animals?
The good news is that there are a few effective strategies that can do wonders to keep your plants safe. In fact, by using a simple combination of plant covers, protective materials like burlap and homemade deterrent sprays, you can keep your landscape safe and healthy all the way to spring.
With that protection in mind, here are three proven tips and tricks to stop deer from destroying your plants this winter.
How To Protect Plants From Deer In Winter – 3 Tricks That Stop Stop Deer!
#1 Plant Covers
The first step in protecting your landscape is to shield small, highly vulnerable plants. And one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect smaller perennials from deer is by covering them with breathable plant covers.
These protective materials form a physical barrier that will keep deer from getting to your plants. All while still allowing light, air and moisture to pass through to keep plants healthy. Affiliate Product Link: Avalution Plant Covers, 5 Packs Frost Cloths for Outdoor Plants
Breathable covers are ideal for shrubs, evergreen perennials and even small trees. Unlike solid materials, breathable fabrics won’t trap heat or moisture, which can easily harm plants. Instead, they offer protection from hungry deer while maintaining healthy conditions for the plants underneath.
To use plant covers, simply drape the fabric over the plant. Make sure that it covers all of the foliage to keep it safe from deer damage. Use twine or clips to secure the fabric in place so that it doesn’t blow away in the wind.
One thing to avoid are plastic covers. These can do more harm than the deer, suffocating plants and trapping in condensation.
#2 Wrapping Trunks & Small Trees – How To Protect Plants From Deer In The Winter
While plant covers work for smaller plants and bushes, deer also love to strip bark from large trees and saplings. The best way to stop this is by wrapping the trunks and branches with burlap or a breathable bark wrap cover.
During winter, deer are especially fond of young tree bark. And they will quickly strip off and consume it as long as they can get to it. When the bark is stripped, it can leave trees exposed and vulnerable to disease, pests – and even lead to them dying out.
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This is where burlap or breathable trunk guard wraps work like a charm. They let you create a physical barrier that discourages deer from feeding on them.
Burlap is an excellent material for protecting plants during winter because it is breathable, durable, and widely available. It allows air and moisture to circulate, which is important for plant health, while also preventing deer from accessing the tender bark and foliage.
There are also other breathable materials that work just as well, but again, avoid plastic. Unlike plastic wraps or solid barriers, burlap and breathable wrap won’t trap moisture or cause the plant to overheat during unexpected winter warm spells.
- Natural Burlap Tree Wraps – 7.8in × 9.8ft Winter Burlap Rolls, 2 Rolls Tree Trunk Guard Protector Wrap
- 100ft Tree Protector Wrap for Winter – Breathable Tree Trunk Guard Cover
How To Use Tree Wraps – How To Protect Plants From Deer In The Winter
To use, start at the base of the tree and wind the burlap upwards around the trunk. Secure it in place with twine, zip ties, or small stakes. For young trees, make sure the wrapping is snug but not so tight that it restricts growth or airflow.
You can also use larger burlap pieces to protect small bushes or shrubs. Just loosely wrap the entire plant with burlap, ensuring all foliage is covered. Tie the burlap around the base to keep it secure.
Burlap provides dual benefits in the winter – it not only deters deer but also protects plants from harsh winter winds, heavy snow, and ice buildup. It’s especially effective for plants that deer frequently target such as fruit trees, roses, and small evergreens.
#3 Using Hot Pepper & Egg Spray – How To Protect Plants From Deer In The Winter
Sometimes, it’s all but impossible to cover bushes or trees. And in that case, it’s time to turn to using an all natural spray made from hot peppers and eggs.
Deer have an incredibly sensitive sense of taste and smell. Because of that, they are repelled by strong, unpleasant flavors – and one of those they simply detest is a concoction made from hot peppers and eggs. It creates an effective, natural deterrent that deer avoid at all costs.
The capsaicin in hot peppers irritates a deer’s mouth. Meanwhile, the eggs emit a sulfur-like odor that deer find unappetizing. Together, the ingredients make a powerful combination that deer simply do not like.
The mix works great in a spray bottle or sprayer. Spray the mixture generously on the plants. Focus on the foliage, trunks, and branches, targeting the areas deer are most likely to eat. Reapply the spray every 1-2 weeks or after heavy rain or snowfall.
The mixture must remain fresh and evenly applied to remain effective. Deer will quickly return if the spray wears off, so be diligent about reapplying throughout the winter months.
Last but not least, it’s important to remember that the best way of all to avoid deer damage is to start by planting deer resistant plants! For more on that, check out our article: The Best Deer Resistant Perennials – 7 Perennial Plants Deer Usually Leave Alone!
Here is to protecting your plants, bushes and trees from deer this year!
Simple Garden Life
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