Deer can be a challenging presence in gardens and landscapes, particularly in suburban and rural areas. Their natural foraging behavior often leads them to munch on ornamental plants, shrubs, and trees. If you are looking to create a beautiful landscape while minimizing damage caused by deer, incorporating deer-resistant plants is essential.
In this article, we’ll explore various arborvitae species known for their deer resistance, the impact of deer grazing, and preventive practices for safeguarding your garden.
Green Giant (Thuja standishii x plicata ‘Green Giant’)
The Green Giant arborvitae stands out as one of the most popular evergreen trees suited for both residential and commercial landscaping. A hybrid of the Japanese arborvitae (Thuja standishii) and the Western red cedar (Thuja plicata), this cultivar is celebrated for its rapid growth and robust stature.
Characteristics
Growth Rate: Green Giant is known for its impressive growth rate, often achieving 3 to 5 feet in height each year. Under optimal conditions, it can reach heights of 30 to 40 feet and spread up to 12 to 18 feet across.
Foliage: This arborvitae possesses dense, lush green foliage that retains its vibrant color year-round, providing an attractive backdrop in any landscape.
Resilience: The Green Giant is not only deer-resistant due to its aromatic foliage but also highly adaptable to various soil types and climatic conditions, making it an excellent selection for a variety of regions.
Landscape Uses
Given its stature and consistent color, Green Giant arborvitae serves a multifaceted purpose in landscape design. Its dense growth makes it an excellent choice for privacy hedges, windbreaks, and noise barriers. Furthermore, its ability to withstand poor soil drainage and occasional drought ensures a low-maintenance option for gardeners.
American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)
As a native species, the American arborvitae has been a staple in North American landscaping for centuries. Not only is it a source of beauty, but it also offers habitat for wildlife.
Characteristics
Height and Spread: Typically reaching heights of 30 to 50 feet with a spread of 10 to 15 feet, this tree can form a magnificent backdrop for gardens and properties.
Texture and Color: Its foliage is a rich, dark green that turns brown in winter but maintains an appealing texture throughout the seasons.
Resilience to Deer: While not entirely deer-proof, the strong scent of its foliage often deters deer browsing, making it a favorable choice for regions plagued by these grazers.
Role in Landscaping
American arborvitae is commonly used in formal hedges, naturalized settings, and as specimen trees. They provide year-round screening and can tolerate varying degrees of pruning, which allows for creative landscape shaping.
Emerald Green Arborvitae
The Emerald Green arborvitae is a shrine to elegance in landscaping. Known for its narrow, upright growth, this species is ideal for compact spaces.
Characteristics
Growth Traits: Generally reaching a height of 10 to 15 feet and a spread of 3 to 4 feet, the Emerald Green arborvitae is perfect for tight areas where you still want a vertical element.
Color and Foliage: Its rich green color remains vibrant even in winter, bringing life to cold landscapes.
Deer Resistance: The dense foliage and aromatic properties of this tree make it less appealing to deer, providing an effective option for hedges in deer-prone areas.
Applications
Emerald Green is perfect for creating narrow borders and serves as a backdrop for flower beds and other ornamental plants. Its structured form leads to elegant lines in garden designs, suitable for modern and classic styles alike.
Techny Arborvitae
The Techny arborvitae distinguishes itself with a slightly more robust frame. Native to North America, this cultivar is highly adaptable.
Characteristics
Size: Typically growing to 15 to 20 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide, the Techny arborvitae provides a substantial yet not overwhelming presence in gardens.
Foliage: Similar to the others, it has dense, dark green foliage that remains attractive throughout the year.
Deer Resistance: This cultivar is often overlooked by deer, making it a practical choice for those looking for a reliable green backdrop.
Landscaping Prospects
Whether used as a privacy fence or a singular specimen, Techny arborvitae contributes significantly to the landscape. Its adaptability to various soil types allows for versatile planting options, and it often thrives in both sunny and partially shaded areas.
North Pole Arborvitae
The North Pole arborvitae is revered for its unique, columnar shape that can add extraordinary verticality to your garden.
Characteristics
Height and Width: This cultivar can reach up to 12 to 15 feet tall, with a very narrow spread of only 3 to 4 feet.
Color: Its vibrant green foliage persists through the seasons, offering a striking visual transition in the landscape.
Deer Resistance: Due to its aromatic leaves and medicine, deer tend to avoid this tree, promoting its use in areas where these animals are a concern.
Ideal Uses
Perfect for tight corners or alongside walkways, North Pole arborvitae can serve as a stunning living column. As they are also tolerant of urban conditions, they fit well in city landscapes, providing height without excessive width.
Globe Arborvitae
A favorite for urban landscapes, the Globe arborvitae is cherished for its rounded shape that contrasts beautifully with other plant forms in the garden.
Characteristics
Compact Nature: Typically, Globe arborvitae grows to about 3 to 5 feet in height and width, offering a full, rounded appearance.
Visual Appeal: Its rich green foliage adds an earthy touch, contributing depth and texture to garden designs.
Deer Resistance: While not a guarantee against deer, its compact shape and dense growth pattern make it less vulnerable to grazing.
Landscape Applications
Globe arborvitae is exceptionally versatile, making it fitting for edging pathways, grouped plantings, or simply as a standalone focal point in a small garden. Its compact nature keeps it manageable for residential spaces while providing rich greenery.
Holmstrup Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)
Holmstrup arborvitae is another compact variant that offers great ornamental value and structural integrity.
Characteristics
Growth and Structure: Holmstrup typically reaches around 10 to 15 feet in height and 4 to 6 feet in width, maintaining a narrow, upright form.
Foliage: The foliage is dense and lush, presenting a stunning green appearance that can adapt to various landscape styles.
Deer Resistance: Its distinctive growth and strong aroma generally dissuade deer, making it well-suited for gardens in deer-populated regions.
Practical Applications
Holmstrup provides an excellent choice for hedges and borders, particularly in formal gardens. Its uniform shape allows for easy maintenance and can complement a variety of other plants, making it a favorite among landscape architects.
Effects of Deer Grazing
Understanding the effects of deer grazing is crucial for any gardener. Deer are opportunistic feeders and can cause extensive damage to gardens if left unchecked. Their feeding habits affect not only the aesthetics of a garden but also the health and vitality of plants.
Plant Replacement and Damage
Deer often devour young shoots and buds, which can stunt the growth of trees and shrubs. This feeding behavior is most problematic in the spring when plants are budding, and again in the winter when food is scarce. Repeated browsing pressure can lead to plants struggling to thrive, which can ultimately result in loss of plant life.
Ecosystem Disruption
Beyond just aesthetics, deer grazing can disrupt local ecosystems. They can create imbalances between plant populations, allowing less palatable species to thrive over preferred ones and diminishing the overall biodiversity within a garden or natural setting.
Preventive Awareness
When designing a landscape, it’s essential to consider the types of plants that deer are likely to avoid, as well as factors such as fencing and plant combinations that promote deer resistance. Educating oneself about local wildlife and their habits can lead to more successful gardening outcomes.
Deer Prevention Practices
In addition to selecting deer-resistant plants such as arborvitae, there are various practices that can further help deter deer from invading your garden.
Fencing Solutions
One of the most effective methods of protection is to install a fence. A well-constructed fence should be at least 8 feet high to prevent deer from jumping over it. Additionally, using fencing materials that are less easily navigated, such as woven wire or metal mesh, can be ideal.
Companion Planting
Alongside deer-resistant plants, consider incorporating species that are known to repel deer. Strongly-scented herbs like lavender or rosemary can serve as natural deterrents when planted near more vulnerable flowers and shrubs. This method often creates an effective barrier without the need for chemical repellents.
Noise and Scent Deterrents
Utilizing various noise-making devices or installing garden ornaments that move in the wind can serve to startle deer and ward them off. Similarly, using scents that deer find unappealing, such as human hair or products designed to smell pungent, can help keep them at bay.
Timing Planting and Maintenance
Being mindful of when deer are most active can help in timing your gardening activities. For instance, performing major plantings at times when deer are less likely to be foraging can result in reduced damage. This awareness can extend to choosing plant varieties that bloom during predawn hours or when deer are less active.
No Promise of ‘Deer Resistance’
While certain plants are labeled as “deer resistant,” it is critical to understand that no plant is entirely safe from deer predation. The term ‘deer-resistant’ can be misleading, as deer feeding habits can vary widely by region, season, and even hunger level.
Variables Affecting Resistance
Food Availability: Deer are opportunists. If preferred food sources are scarce, they might resort to browsing on plants they usually avoid, including deer-resistant species.
Seasonal Changes: During winter months, when food is limited, deer may nibble on species deemed less palatable, thus challenging the concept of resistance.
Local Deer Populations: High deer populations may lead to increased grazing pressure, rendering even the most ‘resistant’ plants vulnerable.
Conclusion
Incorporating deer-resistant arborvitae species into your landscape can serve as a practical strategy against deer grazing. By understanding the unique characteristics of various arborvitae options—ranging from the towering Green Giant to the compact Globe—you can select the best plants for your particular space and aesthetic
