Do deer eat dogwood trees? This is a question that many people have asked, and there is no easy answer. The truth of the matter is that deer do not specifically target dogwood trees for food, but they will eat them if they are available. In this article, we will take a closer look at the relationship between deer and dogwood trees, as well as what you can do to protect your property from hungry deer!
Quick Answer: Deer Eat Dogwood Trees
Yes, deer eat dogwood trees. But, they don’t seek them out.
Deer are opportunistic feeders, which means that they will eat whatever is available to them. Dogwood trees are a popular food source for deer because they are high in carbohydrates and low in protein. This makes them an easy snack for deer, especially when other food sources are scarce during the winter months.
While deer do not specifically target dogwood trees, they do actively seek out places where these plants grow naturally. They will then eat whatever is available to them, whether it’s a tree or shrub in your yard!
How to Keep Deer From Eating Your Dogwood Trees
Deer do not like the taste of many different types of human-made objects, including fences and walls made from bricks or stone. A fence made from PVC will do little to deter hungry deer from eating your dogwood trees because the material has no scent and is not palatable for them.
Use a Physical Barrier or Deterrent
The best way to prevent deer from eating your tree is by protecting it with a physical barrier such as chicken wire or mesh fencing around its trunk (this can be done using stakes).
You can also spray repellents like “Liquid Fence” or “Deer Out” on the foliage of your tree to give it an unpleasant taste that deer do not enjoy eating!
Don’t Plant Along the Fenceline
The best way for you to protect your dogwood trees is by planting them in areas where there are no fences nearby. This will ensure that they have plenty of room to grow and will be less likely to come into contact with deer. You can also try using repellents around your property, but keep in mind that these products may not be 100% effective.
It is important to remember that deer are naturally curious creatures and they may explore your property even if you have a fence or repellent in place. If you do see deer feeding on your dogwood trees, do not scare them! This may cause them to run away and avoid your property in the future.
Instead, try using a loud noise (like a car horn) to scare them off – they will eventually learn that your property is not safe for food.
Plant Your Dogwood in a Low Traffic Area
If you do not feel comfortable using repellents or do not want to install a fence, then there are still some ways that you can protect your dogwood trees. You can plant them in areas where there is less foot traffic so they do not get trampled on by humans walking across the yard (this will also help with drainage issues!)
You could also try spraying them with an unpleasant scent like ammonia or vinegar which do not smell good to deer but do deter them from eating!
Trees Deer Don’t like to Eat
There are many different types of trees that deer do not like to eat. These include: Cedar, Pine Tree (spruce), Oak (hardwood), Maple (softwood) Dogwoods do not grow well in the shade but they do need some light.
You can plant them under a tree but do not put them too close to the tree. When planting, make sure to dig a hole that is about twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. After you have planted your dogwood, be sure to water it thoroughly.
Watering should be done once or twice per week during the summer and once a month during the winter. As always, make sure to follow the instructions on the product label.