Deer Damage to Plants

By Sherri Sanders
White County Extension Agent - Agriculture

SEARCY, Ark. — White County residents often enjoy seeing deer grazing in fields or woods, but the sight becomes less charming when they start eating prized flowers, shrubs, or vegetables. As fall approaches and natural food sources decline, deer browse more heavily in home landscapes.

Signs of Deer Damage

• Jagged or torn twigs – Deer lack upper incisors, so they tear plants rather than making clean cuts like rabbits.
• Missing buds and leaves – Tender new growth, buds, and flowers are favorite snacks.
• Trampled beds – Hoof prints and flattened plants often accompany browsing.

Timing of Damage

Deer can cause problems nearly year-round.

• Spring: Tender buds, shoots, and vegetable seedlings are heavily targeted.
• Summer: Deer graze on flowers, garden crops, and young trees.
• Fall & Winter: As acorns and crops disappear, deer turn to evergreens, shrubs, and fruit trees.

Commonly Damaged Plants

Deer particularly enjoy roses, hostas, daylilies, tulips, beans, peas, and fruit trees. Evergreen shrubs like arborvitae and hollies are also frequent targets in winter.

Ways to Reduce Damage

1. Physical Barriers

• Tall fencing (8 feet or more) is the most reliable option for large areas.
• Individual cages or netting can protect small trees or vegetable beds.
• Tree guards or hardware cloth prevent buck rub damage on young tree trunks in fall.

2. Repellents

• Commercial sprays (odor or taste-based) can discourage browsing but need re-application after rain.
• Rotate products occasionally so deer don’t become accustomed.
• Apply repellents early, before deer establish a feeding habit.

3. Plant Selection

• No plant is completely “deer-proof,” but some are less attractive, such as boxwood, spirea, butterfly bush, daffodils, lavender, and marigolds.
• Use “deer-resistant borders” of strong-scented plants (like herbs or daffodils) around vegetable beds or ornamentals.
• Place highly attractive plants closest to the house, where human activity may deter browsing.

4. Scare Tactics

• Motion-activated sprinklers, radios, or lights may help, but deer usually adapt quickly.
• These work best in combination with fencing or repellents.

Bottom Line

Managing deer in the landscape requires persistence and a layered approach. By combining fencing, repellents, thoughtful plant selection, and tree protection, homeowners can greatly reduce damage.

For a list of deer-resistant plants suitable for Arkansas landscapes, contact the White County Extension Office at 501-268-5394.

Contact

Sherri Sanders
White County Extension Agent - Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture
(501) 268-5394
ssanders@uada.edu

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Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.