I have always been curious about which plants attract deer. One commonly discussed question is: do deer eat green giant arborvitae? Let’s explore this!

Do Deer Eat Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae?

Green giant arborvitae is a species of arborvitae that is known to be resistant to deer damage. While deer may taste the plant, they do not appear to like its flavor and therefore do not typically feed on it. However, it is worth noting that the susceptibility of green giant arborvitae to deer damage may depend on the specific deer population in a given location. It is recommended to avoid planting this species if deer are a significant problem in the area, unless one is willing to test the theory that green giant arborvitae is not appetizing to them.

Creating a Deer-Resistant and Low-Maintenance Privacy Screen

Deer browsing is a common problem that homeowners face when attempting to create privacy screens. These animals have a tendency to graze on evergreen trees and shrubs, which can damage or destroy the plants. This is where choosing a deer-resistant plant becomes important and Thuja Green Giants step in.

Why Privacy Screens are Important

If you’re a homeowner, privacy is likely a top priority when it comes to landscaping your yard. Privacy screens are a great option for creating a natural barrier between your outdoor space and neighbors and passersby. Not only do they provide an aesthetically pleasing setting but also give you some much-needed privacy.

Characteristics of Deer-Resistant Trees and Shrubs

When selecting trees and shrubs, it’s important to choose varieties that are resistant to deer damage. The good news is that several beautiful and popular plants fit into this category. Some plants are more resistant to deer damage than others, but there’s still no 100% deer-proof plant out there.

Some common characteristics of deer-resistant trees include rough and/or hairy leaves, pine fragrance, and prickly foliage. As for deer-resistant shrubs, some characteristics include fuzzy or hairy leaves, spiky foliage, and strong essential oils.

Top 5 Deer-Resistant Trees for Privacy Screens

1. Thuja Green Giants

Thuja Green Giants are an excellent choice for a deer-resistant privacy screen. Not only do they provide year-round privacy, but they’re also fast-growing, low-maintenance, and can survive in a variety of soil types.

Plus, they’re evergreens, so they’ll retain their good-looking foliage all year long. Although Thuja Green Giants are generally deer-resistant, certain deer populations in different areas may still be inclined to nibble on these trees if the deer population is too high or the food supply is low.

As an added bonus, Thuja Green Giants are also resistant to many common diseases and pests, making them a low-maintenance option for any landscaper.One interesting thing to note about American Arborvitaes is that they are actually not true cedars. Instead, they belong to the Cupressaceae family, which also includes junipers, cypresses, and false cedars.

The Thuja Green Giant is a particularly resilient cultivar that is both fast-growing and deer-resistant. This means that not only will you be able to enjoy a full privacy screen in a relatively short amount of time, but you won’t have to worry about deer browsing on your trees and damaging them.

2. American Arborvitaes

American Arborvitaes are a popular choice for homeowners who want to create privacy screens in their outdoor spaces. These evergreen trees are known for their soft, dense foliage that can effectively block noise and visual distractions from the surrounding areas.

3. Dwarf Alberta Spruces

Dwarf Alberta Spruces are another popular choice for creating privacy screens, particularly in small to medium-sized yards. These evergreens have a pyramidal shape that makes them ideal for positioning as corner pieces or as a backdrop for colorful garden beds.

While these trees are not as fast-growing as other species in this list, they are still relatively quick to mature and can reach heights of around 10-12 feet. Additionally, Dwarf Alberta Spruces are resistant to both deer and many common diseases and pests, making them a low-maintenance option.

4. White Pines

White Pines are a classic choice for privacy screens and windbreaks due to their fast growth and conical shape. These evergreens can grow up to 75 feet tall, providing ample coverage for even the largest of yards. While White Pines are aesthetically pleasing, they can be vulnerable to certain pests and diseases, which is something to keep in mind when selecting this species. However, they are resistant to deer, which is a significant advantage for those who live in areas where deer browsing is a concern.

5. Eastern White Cedars

Eastern White Cedars, also known as Northern White Cedars, are a naturally occurring species in North America that can be found growing from the northern part of the United States up into central Canada. These evergreens have a slender, conical shape that makes them ideal as individual specimens or as part of a privacy screen. Eastern White Cedars are also deer-resistant, which is a big advantage in areas where deer browsing is a problem. They are relatively low-maintenance and can be pruned into various shapes to fit different landscaping needs.

Top 5 Deer-Resistant Shrubs for Privacy Screens

1. Boxwood

Boxwood is a popular choice for creating formal hedges and privacy screens due to its small leaves, dense growth habit, and slow growth rate. These shrubs are also deer-resistant, making them ideal for landscaping projects in areas where deer browsing is a problem. Boxwood shrubs are relatively low-maintenance and can be pruned to various shapes to fit different landscaping needs.

2. Lilac

Lilacs are a common choice for those who want to add fragrance to their privacy screens. These shrubs are known for their colorful and fragrant blooms in the spring, which can add a touch of whimsy and beauty to any outdoor space. Lilacs are also deer-resistant, making them ideal for homeowners who live in areas where deer browsing is a problem. They are relatively low-maintenance and can be pruned to various shapes to fit different landscaping needs.

3. Viburnums

Viburnums are a diverse group of shrubs that come in various sizes, shapes, and colors. Some species are grown for their foliage and others for their flowers, but all bear fruit which provide visual interest in the autumn. Most viburnums are also deer-resistant, which is a big advantage for those living in areas where deer browsing is a concern. Viburnums are relatively low-maintenance and can be pruned to various shapes to fit different landscaping needs.

4. Rose of Sharon

Rose of Sharon is a flowering shrub that produces large, showy blooms in summer in a range of colors. These shrubs grow quickly and can reach heights of 8-10 feet, making them ideal for creating large privacy screens. Rose of Sharon is also deer-resistant, making them ideal for homeowners who live in areas where deer browsing is a problem. They are relatively low-maintenance and can be pruned to various shapes to fit different landscaping needs.

5. Hydrangeas

If you’re looking for a beautiful and reliable shrub that is also deer-resistant, hydrangeas are a great option. These versatile shrubs produce large, showy flowers that range in color from pink to blue to white.

Hydrangeas thrive in partially shaded areas with moist, well-drained soil, but they are adaptable to various growing conditions. The best part about hydrangeas is that they can be pruned every year to maintain their size and shape, making them perfect for privacy screens. However, it is vital to prune them after flowering to avoid removing next season’s buds.

Tips for Planting and Maintaining Deer-Resistant Trees and Shrubs

When choosing deer-resistant trees and shrubs for your yard, it’s important to consider factors like sunlight, soil type, and water availability. Some deer-resistant species, like cypress trees, prefer dry, sandy soil and full sun.

Others, like hemlock trees, prefer moist, well-drained soil and partial shade.Once you’ve chosen your plants, it’s important to plant them correctly to ensure their long-term health. Be sure to dig a hole that is at least twice as wide as the root ball, and plant the tree or shrub in the center of the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.

Other Methods To Protect Your Yard From Deer

Here are the best ways to deer-proof your garden and avoid damage by deer.

1. Build a deer-proof fence

If you’re serious about protecting your vegetable garden from deer, building a deer-proof fence is probably the single most effective way to do it. Your fence should be at least 7-8 feet high and made of sturdy, tightly woven mesh or wire. Ideally, the fence should be sunk into the ground at least a foot, to prevent deer from digging under it. You can also string electrified wires along the top of the fence for added protection.

2. Use deer repellent sprays

There are a variety of commercial deer repellents on the market that you can spray on your plants to deter deer from eating them. These sprays typically contain foul-tasting substances that deer find unappetizing, like rotten eggs, garlic, or chili peppers. Be sure to reapply regularly, especially after rain or heavy watering.

3. Plant deer-resistant crops

While deer will eat just about anything if they’re hungry enough, there are some crops that are less tasty to them than others. Planting deer-resistant crops like onions, tomatoes, peppers, and squash can help deter deer from your garden. Make sure to research which plants are best for your area, as deer have different tastes in different regions.

4. Use physical barriers

If you don’t want to build a full fence, you can still use physical barriers to keep deer out of your garden. Try putting up temporary netting or chicken wire around your plants, or stringing fishing line around the perimeter of your garden at deer level (this can be difficult for deer to see, and will cause them to bump into it, startling them).

5. Make your garden less inviting

Deer are attracted to gardens that are easy to access and have plenty of tasty treats. Make your garden less inviting by keeping it tidy and free of debris that deer may use for cover, like piles of leaves or brush. You can also try planting less desirable plants around the perimeter of your garden to act as a natural barrier.

6. Use motion-activated sprinklers

Motion-activated sprinklers are a relatively new technology that use a combination of water and sound to frighten deer away from your garden. These sprinklers are activated by motion, so they only spray when they detect an animal in the area. They can be a bit pricey, but they’re highly effective and can cover a large area.

7. Use noise deterrents

Like motion-activated sprinklers, noise deterrents are a great way to scare deer away from your garden. You can use windchimes, bells, or even an old radio tuned to a talk radio station to keep deer at bay. The key is to switch up the noise every few days, as deer will soon learn to ignore a consistent noise.

8. Train your dog to patrol your garden

Dogs are natural predators of deer, and their presence in your garden can be enough to scare deer away. If you have a dog, try training them to keep watch over your garden and scare off any deer that try to come near. If you don’t have a dog, consider borrowing one from a friend or neighbor.

9. Install motion-activated lights

Deer are most active at dawn and dusk, so installing motion-activated lights around your garden can be an effective way to scare them off. These lights can be solar-powered, and should be positioned so that they illuminate the entire garden and any nearby areas where deer may be hiding.

10. Try scent-based deterrents

Deer have a strong sense of smell, and there are a variety of scent-based deterrents on the market that you can use to keep them away from your garden. Try planting strongly scented plants like lavender or planting garlic or onions around the perimeter of your garden. You can also hang bars of strong-smelling soap or bags of human hair around your garden to deter deer.

FAQ

How to safeguard green Giant arborvitae from deer?

To protect your Green Giant arborvitae from deer damage, you can opt for a physical barrier installation that is highly effective in deterring these animals. The most common materials used for creating a barrier are mesh, netting, and burlap, although these may not offer an attractive look. Alternatively, planting deer-resistant plants can distract deer from your prized arborvitae trees. One crucial aspect to bear in mind is to inspect your trees frequently for bagworms, which can create peculiar cone-shaped structures and harm the health of the plant.

What are the cons of green Giant arborvitae?

The Green Giant arborvitae is known for its resistance to most pests, but can still fall victim to bagworms, which form unsightly growths resembling cones. These insects can ultimately damage and even kill the tree if left untreated.

Conclusion

So, do deer eat Green Giant Arborvitae? Apparently not! These plants are known to be resistant to deer damage, although it’s not a guarantee. The fact that deer don’t find Green Giant Arborvitae appetizing may depend on the deer population in your location. However, if you’re looking for a low-maintenance privacy screen option that deer are less likely to munch on, Green Giant Arborvitae is definitely worth considering.

Remember, nothing is foolproof when it comes to wildlife and gardening. If deer are a significant problem in your area, it might be wise to try other privacy screen options that are known to be deer-resistant. Some great alternatives include boxwood, holly, and Rose of Sharon. With a little research and some experimentation, you can find a privacy solution that keeps your property looking great and deer-free.